Carbon Neutral Mining

About

Sustainable fuels from plants, benefiting mining communities

The Carbon Neutral Mining project promotes the production of plant-based carbon neutral fuels, bridging a gap between mining electrification and hydrogen technologies. Derived from biogas produced via anaerobic digestion of purpose-grown plants on mining sites, the project aims to offer versatile fuels compatible with current mining infrastructures. The selected plant feedstocks are climate-resilient, water-efficient, non-competitive with food sources, and beneficial for rehabilitating mining-affected land. Moreover, they provide livelihoods for impacted communities. With a systems-based, interdisciplinary approach, the project targets scalability and implementation within a decade, exceeding mere carbon neutrality.

Team

Prof. Michael Solomon
University of Cape Town (UCT)
I am a Mining Engineer by profession specializing in the Economic Diversification of Mines and Post-mining Economy. This has led to this trans-disciplinary research into the field of decarbonization for mines by developing plant-based carbon-neutral fuels, on or near mine sites using locally produced intermediate inputs farmed by Community Farmers. This leads elegantly into the arena of Just Transition as the economic benefit accrues to a great extent to mine doorstep and impacted Communities. more
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Dr. Athanasios Kotsiopoulos
University of Cape Town (UCT)
Dr. Kotsiopoulos is the Deputy Director of CeBER. His research focuses on developing innovative and economically viable products from underutilised resources, which emphasises fundamental design principles and practical industrial applications, backed by techno-economic feasibility studies. This work enhances engineering knowledge and supports growth in the bioprocessing industry. His diverse research spans environmental challenges, including addressing acid mine drainage through reactive barriers and the repurposing of mine waste. He conducts in-depth cost-benefit analyses, touching on environmental and socioeconomic aspects, aligned with life cycle assessment. His research offers practical solutions for sustainable growth and environmental stewardship in South Africa. more
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David Viljoen
University of Cape Town (UCT)
David specializes in the integration of sustainable environmental and socio-economic imperatives into the mining industry. David studied a BSc in Chemical Engineering and specialized with a MPhil in Sustainable Mineral Development, both degrees obtained from the University of Cape Town. His academic research focussed on the social and health impacts of Mine Dust as well as the transparency and effectiveness of sustainability reports published by South African gold mining companies. David remains committed to ensuring that mining activities deliver on their sustainability imperatives to ensure shared benefit for all stakeholders, especially the most marginalized. more
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