Our Stories
Decreasing our Carbon Footprint: Heavy Mobile Equipment Carbon Emissions Audit at Fekola, Mali
July 27, 2023
B2Gold recognizes that society, including business, must act against climate change, working with governments and communities to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
With this in mind, we have committed to a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction target of 30 per cent (specifically, Scope 1 and 2 emissions) by 2030. Meeting this target along with our business objectives calls for collaboration and innovation across our operations.
A recent and encouraging example of this approach succeeding was our emission audit of our heavy mobile equipment (HME) operations at the Fekola mine in Mali.
“The Fekola mining fleet accounted for approximately 45 per cent of our site’s Scope 1 carbon emissions in 2022,” said B2Gold HME Director Greg Edmonds. “The challenge is to reduce these emissions while maintaining a high level of production.”
In 2022, Fekola’s HME department, with assistance from the Supply Chain department, decided to tackle the issue.
Targeted solutions for cost-efficient emission reductions
Vivo Energy joined the Fekola team to support an on-site audit and offered suggestions on how to reduce carbon emissions by changing lubricants and fuel. The findings suggested that switching to higher-specification fuel, along with a semi-synthetic lubricant, would allow for longer intervals between oil changes, save fuel, and reduce carbon emissions. Over time, these changes may also increase productivity, leading to further operational efficiencies.
Specifically, the audit found that replacing diesel with a fuel of a lower, 50 ppm sulphur content has the potential to:
- Extend the site machinery’s engine life by 25%
- Save up to 3.3 million litres of fuel
- Reduce CO2e emissions by more than 8,500 tonnes per year
- Decrease nitrous oxide (NOx) emissions by approximately 13% annually
Additionally, the introduction of the Rimula R4 X lubricant, at draining intervals of 500 hours (up from 225 hours) for all engine, hydraulic and FDAO (final drive and axle oil) replacement, will equate to an annual reduction of CO2e emissions and use of lubricants of approximately 1,250 tonnes and 970,000 litres, respectively.
Overall, these changes – being implemented through 2023 at Fekola – are estimated to save more than $2.5 million per year in reduced hydrocarbon consumption.
Moving toward sustainability through innovation
This initiative highlights B2Gold’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint while maintaining and growing its operations. Through collaboration and innovation, the company has successfully aligned its climate goals with its business objectives, making a positive step toward a sustainable future.
Learn more about B2Gold’s climate commitments in our Climate Strategy Report.
