Material Topic: Energy

302–1  Energy consumption within the organization

Energy consumption in 2018 totaled 19.7 (19.8) million gigajoules (GJ). Electricity accounts for 16.2 (16.5) million GJ of this consumption, which equates to 4.5 (4.6) TWh.

The reported energy usage is based on invoiced incoming and outgoing deliveries, supplemented by internal measurements and stock inventories at the end of the year. Conversions between weight and energy have been performed using energy values specified by the supplier or by using tabled values provided by national bodies.

Coke, coal, oil, and fuel gases are used for the reduction and smelting of copper, lead, and zinc concentrates. Diesel is used for transportation purposes, in mining operations, and for internal transportation. Limited amounts of heating oil and gas are used for heating purposes during the cold season. The use of biofuels in metallurgical processes has been tested and evaluated, but has, until now, been negligible in the larger context. A boiler based on biomass has been added during the reporting period. Bio-based fuels have also, to a limited extent, been used in road transports. Electricity is the dominant source of indirect energy in the Group. Out of the total indirect energy used, 94% comprises electricity and only 6% is purchased heat.

Direct Energy consumption within the organization (GJ)

2016

2017

2018

       

Coal & coke

1,743,000

1,844,000

2,053,000

Gas

446,000

289,000

306,000

Oil

1,794,000

2,128,000

2,285,000

Diesel & petrol

1,689,000

1,611,000

1,666,0001)

Other

13,000

36,000

49,000

Total renewable energy

29,000

51,000

69,000

Total energy

5,686,000

5,908,000

6,359,000

Electricity, purchased

16,080,000

16,524,000

16,156,000

Heat, purchased

453,000

501,000

1,100,000

Gross energy input

22,218,000

22,934,000

23,614,000

Produced energy, for internal use

2,205,000

2,291,000

2,335,000

Produced energy, sold

3,157,000

3,146,000

3,964,000

Net energy used

19,061,000

19,788,000

19,650,000

1) Whereof 20,571 GJ diesel from renewable sources

302–3  Energy intensity

Boliden’s energy intensity was 13.03 (13.39) GJ/t metal, an ­increase from the previous year. The energy intensity ratio is reported as the product intensity (energy consumed per unit produced). It is calculated as Boliden’s net total energy consumption (the same as in GRI 302-1) for all Boliden sites, divided by the production output in metal tonnes from Boliden’s production sites. This indicator is affected both by process efficiency and by the product mix and raw material properties.

302–4  Reduction of energy consumption

Boliden has implemented routines for purchasing high-­consumption electrical equipment and procedures for the ­evaluation of life-cycle costs in construction and renovation as important parts of its ISO 5001-certified energy management systems. Boliden has chosen, due to the different character of mining and smelting operations, to work with local energy targets, rather than Group targets. Boliden’s operations reduced their energy usage by 138,000 GJ during the year.

Boliden’s smelting operations strive to take advantage of excess heat from the processes, either transforming it to electric power or supplying it for use in external district heating or steam deliveries. In 2018, 2,335,000 (2,291,000) GJ of heat was used internally, and 3,964,000 (3,146,000) GJ was delivered externally for use in district heating systems.

Energy intensity

 

Energy intensity (GJ/t metal)