TY - GEN
T1 - An investigation to use tailing ponds as solar photovoltaic farms
AU - Momayez, Moe
AU - Wilson, Terril
AU - Cronin, Alex
AU - Annavarapu, Srikant
AU - Conant, Bill
PY - 2009
Y1 - 2009
N2 - Fine-grinding of ores for the liberation of metal-or other valuable concentrates most often results in acreage dedicated to tailings impoundments. A determination of the post-mining land use of such acreage is then required. Tailings impoundments can be suitably utilized as sites for installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The electrical energy produced can be used initially for mining and concentrating operations, and subsequently for the utility grid after mine closure is complete. Since the extraction, processing and transport of minerals is energy-intensive, most mines already have a substantial electrical transmission-line infrastructure. This eliminates one of the major costs associated with PV energy farms. In this paper, we analyze the long-term economic benefit (i.e. payback period) of PV installation and energy production at mine sites. We also discuss integrating PV systems with erosion control and revegetation measures.
AB - Fine-grinding of ores for the liberation of metal-or other valuable concentrates most often results in acreage dedicated to tailings impoundments. A determination of the post-mining land use of such acreage is then required. Tailings impoundments can be suitably utilized as sites for installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) panels. The electrical energy produced can be used initially for mining and concentrating operations, and subsequently for the utility grid after mine closure is complete. Since the extraction, processing and transport of minerals is energy-intensive, most mines already have a substantial electrical transmission-line infrastructure. This eliminates one of the major costs associated with PV energy farms. In this paper, we analyze the long-term economic benefit (i.e. payback period) of PV installation and energy production at mine sites. We also discuss integrating PV systems with erosion control and revegetation measures.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84865410212&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84865410212&partnerID=8YFLogxK
M3 - Conference contribution
AN - SCOPUS:84865410212
SN - 9781615673735
T3 - 26th Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation and 11th Billings Land Reclamation Symposium 2009
SP - 817
EP - 832
BT - 26th Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation and 11th Billings Land Reclamation Symposium 2009
T2 - Joint Conference of 26th Annual Meetings of the American Society of Mining and Reclamation and 11th Billings Land Reclamation Symposium 2009
Y2 - 30 May 2009 through 5 June 2009
ER -