As global scrutiny intensifies, mining companies face a demanding task, ensuring their environmental, social and governance (ESG) pledges translate into measurable and sustainable impact. The South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy has emphasised that ESG is a strategic imperative for long-term success in the industry.
Cecil Maartens, account manager, MMM segment for SSA at Schneider Electric, says this urgency is being driven by a convergence of forces. “Mining companies are facing simultaneous pressure from investors, regulators and customers to reduce carbon emissions while improving operational resilience. Scope 1 and 2 emissions, direct from the source we own and indirect from energy we buy, are increasingly tied to financing, permitting and even market access,” he says.
This is fundamentally reshaping how mining organisations operate. Decarbonisation has evolved beyond its former compliance tick-box status into a strategic priority. “Companies that can demonstrate lower emissions and stronger sustainability credentials are the ones that will attract capital and partnerships,” says Maartens. Many mining houses are moving beyond ambition, and actively embedding decarbonisation into their operational strategies. Maartens cites examples within the sector where dedicated sustainability teams are aligning decarbonisation roadmaps with enterprise asset management and operational KPIs. “ESG roadmaps are now integrated into core business performance metrics with accountability at senior levels.”
A similar transition is underway in energy-intensive industries such as steel and other materials processing. Sibongile Thobakgale, KAM strategic, MMM for SSA at Schneider Electric, highlights that sectors like steel, cement and glass are experiencing comparable pressures. “These industries are among the most carbon-intensive globally and decarbonisation is being driven by regulatory requirements, market expectations and rapid technological advancements,” she says.
Technology enables low-carbon mining
Technology is playing a central role in enabling low-carbon operations in mining and heavy industry. As Maartens points out, it is also important to understand the current state of operation. Digital maturity assessments and energy baselining allow organisations to identify inefficiencies and prioritise interventions. From there, integrated platforms can bring together energy management, automation and real-time operational data to drive continuous improvement.
“Digitalisation is critical as it enables mining companies to model energy consumption, simulate different electrification scenarios, and quantify the impact of renewable integration before making large-scale investments,” adds Maartens.
On the ground, this translates into practical interventions. Hybrid microgrids supported by battery energy storage systems are helping mines integrate renewable energy while maintaining reliability. Electrification initiatives and more energy-efficient equipment, such as advanced low-harmonic variable speed drives, are also contributing to reduced consumption. At the same time, asset lifecycle management processes, installed base audits and assessments, retrofits and eco-fits are extending asset life while lowering environmental impact.
Thobakgale adds that in broader industrial contexts, automation is also evolving to support decarbonisation. “Software-defined automation is improving process efficiency and reliability, particularly in energy-intensive operations. This is essential for maintaining productivity while reducing emissions,” she notes.
The growing role of advisory services
While technology is a critical enabler, both Maartens and Thobakgale emphasise that successful decarbonisation requires a structured, strategic approach. Advisory services are becoming increasingly important in this area.
“Sustainability assessments and services like Schneider Electric SE Electrification Advisory Services help companies quantify their emissions, benchmark performance and identify the most effective pathways forward,” says Thobakgale. “They also play an important role in unlocking capital and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.”
These services go beyond one-off evaluations. They form part of an ongoing process of monitoring, optimisation and alignment with long-term ESG goals. “Decarbonisation is a journey that requires ongoing measurement, adaptation and improvement, creating and ensuring long-term strategic partnership,” adds Maartens.
Looking ahead, ESG considerations are set to play an even more decisive role in shaping the future of mining. “Capital will flow towards companies that can demonstrate credible decarbonisation pathways,” says Thobakgale. “Those that delay ESG integration risk losing competitiveness and access to funding.”
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