Energy Analysis

The Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) regularly conducts energy analyses to identify energy-saving opportunities. The following energy analyses are aimed at identifying energy-savings potential in mining companies and mining R&D projects. Browse our tools and publications, as well as the publications described below.

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U.S. Mining Industry Energy Bandwidth

The Industrial Technologies Program (ITP) relies on analytical studies to identify large energy reduction opportunities in energy-intensive industries and uses these results to guide its R&D portfolio. The energy bandwidth illustrates the total energy-saving opportunity that exists in the industry if the current processes are improved by implementing more energy-efficient practices and by using advanced technologies. This bandwidth analysis report was conducted to assist the ITP Mining R&D program in identifying energy-saving opportunities in coal, metals, and mineral mining. These opportunities were analyzed in key mining processes of blasting, dewatering, drilling, digging, ventilation, materials handling, crushing, grinding, and separations. (PDF 2.0 MB)

Energy and Environmental Profile of the U.S. Mining Industry

This detailed report benchmarks the energy and environmental characteristics of the key technologies used in selected commodities of the mining industry.

Cover, Preface, and Table of Contents (PDF 237 KB)
Chapter 1 - Mining Overview (PDF 673 KB)
Chapter 2 - Coal (PDF 439 KB)
Chapter 3 - Potash, Soda Ash, and Borates (PDF 362 KB)
Chapter 4 - Iron (PDF 311 KB)
Chapter 5 - Copper (PDF 379 KB)
Chapter 6 - Lead and Zinc (PDF 423 KB)
Chapter 7 - Gold and Silver (PDF 352 KB)
Chapter 8 - Phosphate (PDF 326 KB)
Chapter 9 - Limestone and Crushed Rock (PDF 288 KB)
Glossary (PDF 105 KB)
Methodology (PDF 216 KB)

Report on Water Use in the Industries of the Future: Mining Industry

The report on Water Use in the Industries of the Future features a chapter on the uses of water in the mining industry. This report includes a brief overview of the industry, its water use, associated energy costs, and water reuse practices. (PDF 159 KB)

RAND Report "New Forces at Work in Mining: Industry View of Critical Technologies"

RAND has just published a report entitled, "New Forces at Work in Mining: Industry Views of Critical Technologies," by D. J. Peterson, Tom LaTourrette, and James T. Bartis. The report presents the results of a series of in-depth discussions with leading mining industry representatives selected for their prominent position and their ability to think broadly about technology trends. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaborative technology research, development, and implementation strategies and the increasingly critical role of mine personnel in the utilization of new technologies.