An integrated energy management strategy for the deep-level gold mining industry

This study investigated the potential for using the ISO 50001 energy management standard in the deep-level gold mining industry to reduce electricity costs. The standard provides a framework for an organisation to develop an energy management system and has proven successful in other industries. Using the Plan-Do-Check-Act framework an energy management system was developed for a deep-level gold mineshaft. An energy policy was developed by the energy management team with a goal of achieving a 20% electrical energy saving. Implementation of various initiatives using the ISO framework allowed for the reduction of electrical energy. Checking the electrical energy reduction by means of established measurement and verification methods showed a final energy reduction of 18.5%. The financial value thereof was approximately R75 million per annum when calculated with the 2015/2016 Eskom electricity tariff. However, this was below the 20% target and lead to a review of the energy policy and the formation of new action plans. Thus, the nature of the iSO 50001 standard ensures continually improving energy management and performance.