LNG for Mining Operations
Mines in locations without pipelines or reliable grids can run their power plants, mineral dryers, and heating loads on natural gas delivered as LNG. Trucked or containerized LNG typically displaces diesel, cutting CO2 by about 29 percent per unit of energy and usually lowering fuel cost, which is one of the largest operating expenses at a remote mine.
Where LNG fits at a mine
The biggest load is usually onsite power generation, which can run on dedicated gas engines or turbines. Process heat for drying concentrate, heap leach heating, and camp utilities follows. Some operations also convert haul trucks and drills to dual fuel, substituting a portion of diesel with natural gas, though stationary loads deliver the fastest payback.
Logistics that fit mining realities
LNG moves to mines by road trailer or ISO container, including intermodal routes that combine ship, rail, and truck for very remote or island operations. Onsite storage is sized for weather and road interruptions so production is never fuel constrained. Because mine lives and expansion plans change, equipment is leased and capacity scales with the operation.
Cost and emissions case
Fuel typically represents a large share of remote mine operating cost. Natural gas has generally been cheaper than diesel per unit of energy in North American markets, and EIA emissions coefficients put natural gas at about 117 pounds of CO2 per million Btu versus about 163 for diesel. Sulfur oxides and particulates fall to near zero, which matters for permits and community relations.
Who provides this service
VP Ventures supplies LNG to mining operations without pipeline access, fueling power generation, process heat, and camp utilities. The service is turnkey: LNG supply, transportation, onsite storage, regasification, and ongoing logistics coordination under one contract, with no infrastructure investment required at the point of use.
Frequently asked questions
Can a mine's entire power plant run on LNG?
Yes. Gas fired reciprocating engines and turbines routinely serve mine loads from a few megawatts to over 100 megawatts.
How is LNG delivered to a mine with poor roads?
Via ISO containers and rugged trailers, with storage buffers sized for seasonal road closures. Intermodal delivery reaches sites trucks alone cannot serve reliably.
What emissions improvement should a mine expect versus diesel?
Roughly 29 percent less CO2 per unit of energy, plus major reductions in sulfur and particulate emissions, based on EIA fuel coefficients.
Does LNG make sense for a mine with only 5 years of life left?
Often yes, because equipment is leased. The payback comes from the fuel spread, not from owning infrastructure.