Estimated Greenhouse Gases Emissions from Mobile and Stationary Sources in the Limestone and Basalt Rock Mining in Thailand

Abstract

Mineral processing can become more environmentally sustainable by integrating practices that reduce all environmental impact of mining operations. Along with pollution problems, global climate change is presently one of the most important environment concerns. This research aimed to identify all potential sources and also compare the net emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the limestone and basalt rock mining operations in Thailand. Limestone (Plant I) and basalt (Plant II) rock mining located in the central and the northeast of Thailand were selected as research case studies. The results indicated that the total amount of GHGs emitted from limestone mining operation were approximately 1,457.61 and 1,753.73 tCO₂-eq in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Estimated GHGs intensity ranged between 18.83 to 22.36 kgCO₂-eq/tonne of rock product. Similarly, over 2014 to 2015, the range of total GHGs emissions from basalt rock mining was about 1,467.27 to 1,670.18 tCO₂-eq. Interestingly, estimated GHGs intensity of basalt mining was roughly two times greater than limestone rock mining (31.85 to 35.72 kgCO₂-eq/tonne of product). By scope, direct emission from transport-related activities in both limestone and basalt rock mining was by far the largest source of emissions (45-62%) compared to indirect emission from purchased grid-electricity (34-40%). Some GHGs mitigation options and also challenges ahead for archiving environmental sustainability in the mining industry in Thailand were further raised.