David Willick: Mining’s Electric Future

Michael Fox interviews David Willick, VP and Regional Leader of Mining Metals and Minerals for North America at Schneider Electric, about the company’s role in advancing reliable, efficient energy solutions through electrification and digitalization in mining.

They discuss how mining’s energy costs, which make up nearly half of expenses, drive efforts to reduce waste and optimize operations. The conversation highlights mining’s evolution from hazardous conditions in the 1970s to today’s cleaner, safer, and more automated and electrified sites, including the reduced use of diesel and integration of renewables and small modular reactors for remote operations. They emphasize rebranding mining as a tech industry to attract talent while addressing critical mineral supply chains, especially within Canada’s resource-rich and low-carbon mining sector.

David stresses the need for streamlined government approvals, reduced regulations, and collaboration with Western partners to boost mineral processing. The discussion also covers sustainable data centers in Canada and the importance of technology and public support to ensure environmental responsibility, promising to delve deeper into these topics in future conversations.

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