Expert explains links between mining and energy

Posted by Erin Eddy


October 03, 2008
Plaindealer staff report

"Mining for energy independence," with a focus on renewable resources, is the topic of a public presentation at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, at the Ouray Community Center.

Jim Burnell of the Colorado Geological Survey will talk about the importance of finding and developing domestic sources of minerals required for the development of generating energy from renewable sources.

Ouray County Surveyor Bob Larson said he expects attendance to represent the interests of mining, the environment and the general public.

According to Burnell, public support is growing for the development of energy generation from renewable sources. However, an aspect of renewable energy possibly unknown by many is the hardware needed for these technologies.

"The infrastructure requires mined materials, including imported strategic and critical minerals," said Burnell.

Burnell said silica, copper, gallium, indium, selenium, cadmium and tellurium are required for the dominant photovoltaic technologies. Silver and aluminum are necessary for "concentrating" solar power technology. Zinc, vanadium, platinum group metals and rare earth elements are key components of power storage, hybrid vehicle, and fuel cell applications.

"All these materials must be mined," said Burnell. "At present, the U.S. is woefully dependent upon import sources for most of these materials and demand is already squeezing the prices.

Domestic sources must be found and developed if energy independence is to be achieved using alternative sources." For information about the program, call Larson at 325-4600.