The Potential for Repurposing Disturbed Mining Properties as Industrial Scale Solar Facilities

Keywords: renewable energy, industrial scale solar, Nevada, Carlin Trend, mining, land disturbance, tailings piles, waste rock facilities, habitat
Abstract Type: Poster Abstract

Abstract

Stemming from the Paris agreement and an increased commitment to climate consciousness calls for more sources of renewable energy to replace high emitting portions of our energy sector have become commonplace. Industrial Scale Solar has received its fair share of attention as a potential solution to these problems and is being encouraged in many parts of the desert west, including Nevada. However, there is a large question regarding the placement of these new energy production facilities. The relatively high incoming amounts of solar radiation make Nevada’s deserts ideal candidates for these solar facilities. However, these deserts serve as habitat for numerous animals, some of which are endangered and the fences surrounding industrial-scale solar facilities are impermeable to many animals, effectively blocking off those regions as habitat. (Gray et al. 2019)

Abandoned and unused mining properties are proposed as an alternative to open desert territory where already disturbed lands will be repurposed to avoid the habitat damage of new renewable energy installations and allow for the continued use of existing infrastructure like roads, powerlines and substations installed during mining operations. Nevada's solar potential is analyzed and disturbed mining sites will be ranked accordingly. A more detailed analysis is also performed on mine sites within The Carlin Trend in northeastern Nevada. Finally, nuances to this proposal are also explored from a legislative and regulatory perspective. This work intends to provide a useful perspective for potential solar developers regarding the repurposing of disturbed mine sites for solar power production.