Energy conservation measures in Zambia: A case study of Kansanshi Mine

Energy management for the purpose of improving energy efficiency and conservation still remains a daunting challenge in developing countries. Zambia is one such country facing electricity power deficit partially due to weak policies in the energy sector and largely due to ineffective energy management practices. With a projected electricity demand growth estimated at 100 MW per annum, Zambia has already started experiencing power deficit. The country s electricity is predomitly consumed by the mining industry, which is estimated at 68 % currently while only 19 % is consumed by households. However, little has been done to manage, conserve, and expand the installed capacity for electricity generation in Zambia. Energy auditing is vital in managing a large resource such as energy, and could play a key role in determining efficient use of energy and there after take measures of conserving it. The purpose of this research is to determine preliminary energy audit information in the energy intensive sectors of Kansanshi copper mine. The study has reviewed energy conserving measures which can be implemented to conserve energy and thereby reduce the cost of production at the mine.