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2017/18
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LEXPERT 21
large power line from the nearest grid infrastructure to
the mine site or truck in that power, typically diesel for
a diesel electric-generating plant at the mine site. "But
what you're seeing now more and more is a lot of these
companies, oen in remote locations, are starting to set
up either wind power, in some cases, but more oen so-
lar facilities. is is not designed to totally replace diesel
or other fossil fuels, but to augment that power source."
One of Markin's clients, Sandfire Resources, based in
Perth, Australia, invested in a solar facility at their De-
Grussa copper-gold mine in Western Australia. Located
in the middle of the Australian outback, the mine site
obviously benefits from a sunny, dry climate. In Africa,
IAMGOLD announced a partnership to develop 15
megawatts of solar energy for the operation of its Es-
sakane gold mine in Burkina Faso.
Still, Markin says, going forward, the increased use
of renewable energy in mining operations, as in other
settings, will be driven by technological advances in
electricity storage and its ability for the mine to use this
power 24 hours a day.
During meetings with mining executives who operate
in Canada's north, Chamberlain says that he's hearing
more frequent discussions on the role of renewable en-
ergy as one way to deal with the effects on mines from
climate change.
Mining companies aren't in the business of building
wind turbines — it's clearly not their core expertise —
but Chamberlain says, "If you build wind turbines at a
mine site, and if it saves you money and it also helps the
environment, it's a win-win in all aspects."
As an example, he points to the Diavik Diamond
Mine in the Northwest Territories, which offsets diesel
fuel requirements by building large-scale wind farms.
e benefits of reduced fuel requirements, and associat-
ed costs, are clear from a business point of view. Regula-
tory requirements and contractual relations with turbine
manufacturers add some complexity, but not enough to
outweigh the benefits.
Being creative about local economic opportuni-
ties that also serve the environment can be achieved
by building mine power sources with multi-tasking in
mind, says Kempton. "One of the approaches that is be-
ing developed is having the residual heat and power from
gas turbines used to provide heat and power for green-
houses, thereby circulating the climate-changing green-
house gases to grow green vegetables," she says.
Looking back, Markin says a mine, a decade ago, that
decided to use green energy for some portion of its pow-
er needs would generally have been viewed as a kind of
outlier. "In contrast, these days, not only is it making eco-
nomic sense in many cases, but from a public-relations
and social licence point of view, it's all dovetailing ; so
almost every mine feasibility study explores whether to
incorporate some form of green energy."
MacKay-Dunn, QC, R. Hector
Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP
(604) 661-9307 hmackay-dunn@farris.com
Mr. MacKay-Dunn has over 25 years of practice experience and has repre-
sented both junior and senior mining clients throughout his career, invest-
ment banks and investors in public and private domestic and international
financings, mergers and acquisitions, tender offers and joint ventures.
Mr. MacKay-Dunn is recognized by Lexpert as a leading US/Canada
Cross-Border Corporate Lawyer in Canada.
Mahony, Dennis E. Torys LLP
(416) 865-8214 dmahony@torys.com
As the Head of Torys's Environmental, Health and Safety practice and
the Co-Chair of the Climate Change group, Mr. Mahony assists mining
clients with permitting, regulatory compliance, litigation, diligence
and transaction advice.
May, Neill I. Goodmans LLP
(416) 597-4187 nmay@goodmans.ca
Mr. May's practice focuses on public and private M&A, financings and
restructurings in mining and other industries. He is a former member of
the TSX Listing Advisory Committee and OSC Securities Advisory and Small
Business Advisory Committees, and a former adjunct professor at the
U of T Faculty of Law.
McGlaughlin, Grant E. Goodmans LLP
(416) 597-4199 gmcglaughlin@goodmans.ca
Mr. McGlaughlin, Co-head of the firm's Mining Group, is a corporate and
securities lawyer who focuses on M&A, corporate finance, governance and
compliance. He advises investors, boards, special committees, issuers and
underwriters. He is a frequent author and speaker on various topics in the
areas of corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions and mining.
Moore, J. Alexander Davies Ward Phillips
& Vineberg LLP (416) 863-5570 amoore@dwpv.com
Mr. Moore practises corporate and securities law with an emphasis on
public company M&A, corporate finance, governance and proxy contests.
He has extensive experience advising Canadian and international mining
issuers on M&A, financing matters and joint ventures.
Morris, Kevin M. Torys LLP
(416) 865-7633 kmorris@torys.com
Mr. Morris acts for boards of directors, issuers, investors and investment
banks on M&A and capital-raising deals in the mining sector.
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