The current discussion around the climate impact of industrial greenhouse gas emissions is centered around measurement of actual emissions rather than the traditional estimation techniques. The future oil and gas production facility will have to take into consideration the objective of eliminating or at least minimizing GHG emissions and to demonstrate that requirement through specific measurement and reporting techniques. The phrase “Measure what Matters” is becoming more common as environmental NGO as well as regulators better understand the limits to  previous reporting methods. Approaches to measurement range from satellites to aircraft surveys, to drone inspection surveys to various types of continuous monitoring and ultimately to operations procedures like LDAR (leak detection and repair) and use of FLIR (forward looking infrared) thermal camera surveys will have to be adopted. Measure what Matters is even one of the pathways in the SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Gaia framework. We at the Payne Institute of Public Policy have coined the term Digital Canopy for Emissions Detection to try and frame the advantages and limitations of these various techniques and to begin to reconcile the top down and bottoms up measurements to develop a way to more accurately measure emissions and to help operators more proactively identify, locate fugitive emissions leaks and to quantify the size and impact of the largest “super-emitter” events.

Jim Crompton is retired from Chevron in 2013 after almost 37 years with the major international oil & gas company. Jim established the Reflections Data Consulting LLC to continue his work in the area of data management and analytics for Exploration and Production industry. He is a frequent speaker at Society of Petroleum Engineers conferences on Digital/Intelligent Energy and the Data Foundation. His interests lie in the full spectrum of the information value chain from data capture, data management, data visualization, data access, modeling and analytics, simulations and serious gaming. Jim graduated from the Colorado School of Mines (BS in Geophysical Engineering in 1974 and MS in Geophysics in 1976) before joining Chevron in Denver, Colorado. He later earned an MBA degree (1996) from Our Lady of the Lake University (San Antonio, Texas).

Please join Saudi Arabia and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines as we welcome Dr. Morgan Bazilian and Dr. John Bradford, presenting at the Future Minerals Forum on Wednesday, January 11 – Thursday, January 12, 2023 in Riyadh.

Join us as Saudi Arabia brings together governments, industry, investors, technology suppliers, educators and civil society to develop a minerals and metals value chain roadmap for the region: development, decarbonization, digitization and innovation.

Please join the Mines Global Energy Future Initiative and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines as we welcome Peter B. Kelemen, Arthur D. Storke Memorial Professor, Columbia University, presenting a live seminar titled Carbon Mineralization for CO2 Removal from Air and Permanent Storage at the Gigaton Scale on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 3:00pm – 4:00pm (MT).  A reception will follow.

Peter Kelemen studies the chemical and physical processes of reaction between fluids and rocks. His primary focus is on geologic capture and storage of C02 (CCS), and reaction-driven cracking processes in natural and engineered settings, with application to CCS, the global carbon cycle on Earth & Mars, geothermal power generation, hydrocarbon extraction, in situ mining.

Please join the Mines Global Energy Future Initiative, EnerCom and Mines Entrepreneurship & Innovation Center as they welcome Keynote speaker Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian for The Energy Venture Investment Summit on Wednesday, February 16 and Thursday, February 17, 2022.

Discover emerging energy technology, alternative energy and traditional oil and gas start-up ventures at the Energy Venture Investment Summit hosted by EnerCom and the Colorado School of Mines. The Energy Venture Investment Summit is a unique conference opportunity for start-up ventures to present their business investment proposition to the energy industry and a captive audience of institutional and venture fund investors, private equity, high net worth investors and commercial investment bankers.

If you would like to present at the conference this year please send your contact information, team or company information, and a brief description of your pitch to Werner Kuhr – wkuhr@mines.edu. 

Please join the Mines Global Energy Future Initiative and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines as we welcome moderators Mark Deinert and Morgan Bazilian with Shannon Bragg-Sitton, John Jackson, Ken Darlington, Cristian Rabiti, Jonathan Hackett, Briana Gunn, Don Strickland, Alice Wong, and Scott Melbye, presenting a virtual seminar titled Microreactors to Meet ESG Goals in Mining Operations on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm (MT). Individual presentations will be followed by a roundtable discussion.

Seligdar, a leading Russian gold producer, has committed to using at least 35MWe of nuclear power at its Kyuchus site by 2028. Microreactors at this scale can provide reliable heat and electricity without the fuel supply chain problems of conventional power systems. Because they emit no carbon dioxide, microreactors can also help mining operations meet ESG goals. This symposium and roundtable brings together people from industry, government, and finance to discuss the near term deployment of US microreactors in mining operations.

Moderators: Mark Deinert, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, and Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian at Colorado School of Mines

Featuring:

• Dr. Shannon Bragg-Sitton – Director, Integrated Energy & Storage Systems at Idaho National Laboratory

• John Jackson – National Technical Director, DOE-NE Microreactor Program

• Ken Darlington – Vice-President, Corporate Development at Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation

• Cristian Rabiti – Director, Technology Strategy at Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation

• Jonathan Hackett – Managing Director, Co-head Energy Transition and Head of Sustainable Finance, BMO Capital Markets

• Briana Gunn, PE – Group Executive of Environment, Sustainability and External Relations, Newmont Mining

• Scott Melbye – Executive Vice President, Uranium Energy Corp, CEO – Uranium Royalty Corp., and President – Uranium Producers of America

• Don Strickland – Executive Vice President, Sustainability, Copper Mountain Mining Corporation

• Alice Wong – Senior Vice-President and Chief Corporate Officer, Cameco Corporation

Biographies:

Presentation Title: The Role of Nuclear Energy in Achieving Economy-Wide Net Zero Energy Solutions

Presenter:  Shannon M. Bragg-Sitton, Ph.D., Director, Integrated Energy & Storage Systems, Idaho National Laboratory

Abstract: The Biden administration has committed to full decarbonization of the U.S. electricity grid by 2035 and economy-wide net zero emissions by 2050. These aggressive goals demand immediate action, and they require us to think more holistically about our clean energy options. The DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Integrated Energy Systems (IES) program is addressing these holistic solutions. Reducing environmental emissions at an affordable cost, while maintaining grid reliability and resilience, will require us to use all of the clean energy resources that we have available. That means coordinating the use of nuclear, renewables, and fossil fuels with carbon capture to meet growing demands for electricity, industrial applications, and mobility. The primary focus of IES research is to assess the technical and economic potential of potential energy system solutions to enhance the flexibility and utilization of nuclear reactors working alongside renewable generators to meet an array of energy demands—thereby maximizing the utilization of clean energy resources across all energy sectors. 

About Shannon M. Bragg-Sitton: Dr. Shannon Bragg-Sitton is the Director for the Integrated Energy & Storage Systems Division in the Energy & Environment Science & Technology Directorate at Idaho National Laboratory, which includes Power and Energy Systems, Energy Storage and Electric Transportation, and Hydrogen and Electrochemistry departments. She also serves as the National Technical Director for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy Integrated Energy Systems program.

Presentation Title: The DOE Microreactor Program – Enabling Microreactor Technology

Presenter:  John Jackson, National Technical Director, DOE-NE Microreactor Program

Abstract:The DOE Microreactor Program was established in 2019 to support research and development (R&D) of technologies related to the development, demonstration, and deployment of low-power, transportable reactors to provide power and heat for decentralized generation in civilian, industrial, and defense energy sectors. The program conducts both fundamental and applied R&D to de-risk technology performance and manufacturability readiness of microreactors.

About John Jackson: Dr. John H. Jackson is a Distinguished Staff Scientist/Engineer at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He currently is the National Technical Director for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy’s Microreactor Program which is focused on supporting development and deployment of rapidly evolving microreactor technology. Prior to this he served as the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) Technical Interface where he ensured that the nuclear industry had facilitated and appropriate access to DOE national laboratory capability. In these capacities, John has worked closely with the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy and the nuclear industry to ensure that DOE facilities are used effectively to maintain the current reactor fleet and to enable innovation.

Presentation Title:Finance Perspectives on ESG

Presenter: Jonathan Hackett, Managing Director, Co-head Energy Transition and Head of Sustainable Finance, BMO Capital Markets

Abstract: The landscape of ESG investors today is a patchwork of investors with differing objectives and theses for how to expand on traditional investing criteria. Looking at these categories, we’ll distinguish between ESG as risk and ESG as opportunity.

About Jonathan Hackett:Jonathan Hackett is the managing director and co-head of BMO’s Energy Transition Group and Head of BMO’s Sustainable Finance team. In these roles he advises clients on opportunities as they navigate the transition to a low carbon economy, supports clients in navigating the impact of ESG on their access to capital, and advises on sustainable financing structures. Jonathan’s team also includes BMO’s $250MM impact investment fund which has a mandate to invest in companies that are producing solutions in the sustainability and energy transition space. Prior to joining BMO in 2017, Jonathan was a principal with the Boston Consulting Group and also a researcher in residence at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics where he completed his doctoral research in Quantum Gravity and Topology.

Presentation Title: Newmont’s Approach to ESG

Presenter: Briana Gunn, PE, Group Executive of Environment, Sustainability and External Relations, Newmont Mining

Abstract:Overview of Newmont’s approach to ESG and how this is integrated into our governance from the site to the corporate levels, targets and incentives.

About Brianna Gunn: Briana Gunn is the Group Executive of Environment in the corporate headquarters for Newmont Mining Company in Denver, Colorado. This role includes understanding and managing environmental performance and risk establishing standards, guidelines and targets to support objectives working toward a goal of reducing impact and supporting mitigation.

Presentation Title: Raising Awareness of Carbon-Free Nuclear Energy For Mining Applications

Presenter: Scott Melbye, Executive Vice President – Uranium Energy Corp, CEO – Uranium Royalty Corp., and President – Uranium Producers of America

Abstract: Global climate change concerns are hurtling society towards a low/no carbon future at a pace which is straining mankind’s scientific abilities to meet those goals. Nowhere is this challenge more evident than in the global mining industry whose companies are embracing aggressive carbon reduction goals as part of their overall Environment and Social Governance (ESG) commitments to investors and local stakeholders. Mining, especially conventional open pit and underground operations, and
associated metallurgical milling processes, are, by their very nature, energy intensive. The challenges are both substantial and costly. As someone who has spent the past 37 years in both nuclear energy and uranium mining, I not only see the immense challenges presented, but also a very key and viable solution in the form of small modular and micro nuclear reactors which produce reliable (24/7) electricity without carbon emissions. The dramatic changes in public and political perceptions toward
nuclear energy in a lower carbon world, and advances in small modular and advanced reactors, present new options in the tool box for global miners and developers compared to even just a few years ago. My goal is to see these two worlds come together and gain a mutual appreciation of the challenges and opportunities that may foster, and promote, future cooperation.

About Scott Melbye: Scott Melbye is Executive Vice President of Texas-based miner and developer, Uranium Energy Corp, and is currently President of the Uranium Producers of America. He is also CEO and co-founder of Uranium Royalty Corp, which is the only pure-play royalty and streaming company in the uranium industry. Scott is a 37 year veteran of the uranium/nuclear energy industry, having held senior executive positions in three of the world’s four largest uranium mining companies (Canada’s Cameco Corporation, Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, and Russia’s Uranium One). His career has also seen professional roles in the trading and brokerage of uranium commodities, nuclear fuel procurement for nuclear reactors, and managing uranium investments for a publicly-traded commodity fund. He has testified on uranium matters before the International Trade Commission, and U.S. Senate Energy and House Oversight Committees, and is a frequent speaker on nuclear energy, and the uranium fuel cycle, in international forums. He currently serves as an advisor to the nuclear engineering graduate program at the Colorado School of Mines.

Presentation Title: Copper Mountain Mining Corporation’s Focus on Fighting Climate Change

Presenter: Don Strickland, Executive Vice President Sustainability, Copper Mountain Mining Corporation

Abstract: An overview of Copper Mountain’s focus on fighting climate change, and objective of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2035. The presentation will cover Copper Mountain’s actions to reduce diesel consumption, increase electrification, and advance low carbon electrification options.

About Don Strickland: Mr. Strickland has over 25 years of Canadian and international mining experience, specifically in mineral processing, project development, mine management and sustainability programs. Mr. Strickland is currently responsible for leading the Company’s sustainability initiatives. Prior to becoming the EVP of Sustainability, Mr. Strickland was the Chief Operating Officer at Copper Mountain. Previous to joining the Company, Mr. Strickland held various senior operating positions at Placer Dome, Barrick Gold Corp and Yukon Zinc. Mr. Strickland is a Professional Engineer and graduated from Queens University with a Bachelor of Science degree (Hons) in Materials Science and Metallurgical Engineering.

Presentation Title: Decarbonizing Mines: Making Off-Grid Small Modular Reactors a Reality in the 2020s

Presenters: Ken Darlington, a. Vice-President, Corporate Development, and Dr. Cristian Rabiti, Director, Technical Strategy, Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation

Abstract: Ultra-Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC) has developed the Micro Modular Reactor (MMR®) technology to address the need for reliable, carbon-free energy in remote, off-grid locations such as mining operations and communities. A brief overview of the technology and how it fits the energy needs of the mining industry will be presented. The presentation will also cover the expected commercial deployment timeline and how it relates to the ongoing MMR commercial demonstration project in Canada in collaboration with Ontario Power and Generation, and the campus MMR project at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign.

About Ken Darlington and Dr. Cristian Rabiti: Ken Darlington is a resources industry professional with 25 years of experience in project development in the mining sector. As Vice-President, Corporate Development at USNC Power, Ken leverages his strong ties in the resources sector to develop clean energy solutions for clients across North America and elsewhere. Ken holds a degree in chemical engineering from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario.

Dr. Cristian Rabiti has 20 years of experience in the nuclear field. Dr. Rabiti’s background is nuclear reactor systems, reactor physics, optimization, and financial management. After several years dedicated to developing software for the nuclear reactor design, Dr. Rabiti has focused his efforts on the techno-economic analysis of energy systems. Currently is the Director of Technology Strategy at Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation. Dr. Cristian Rabiti holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical engineering from the University of Stuttgart in Germany and an Executive MBA from IE Business School in Spain.

Presenter: Alice Wong, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer, Cameco Corporation

About Alice Wong: Alice Wong, senior vice-president, chief corporate officer at Cameco Corporation, provides executive oversight for HR, safety, health, environment, quality, regulatory relations, IT, supply chain management, internal audit and corporate ethics.  Over her 30-plus year career, she has made exceptional contributions in regulatory and stakeholder relations and inclusion/diversity efforts. She is executive sponsor for enhancing the company’s sustainability approach to meet evolving ESG requirements and advancing Cameco’s digital transformation journey.

Please join the Mines Global Energy Future Initiative and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines as we welcome Mauricio Gutierrez, President and Chief Executive Officer, NRG Energy, and Mines Alumni, presenting a virtual seminar titled A Conversation on the Clean Energy Transition with Mauricio Gutierrez on Tuesday, November 16, 2021 from 11:00am – 12:00pm (MT).

Energy is all around us, fueling our day-to-day experiences. It keeps our families safe, it keeps our businesses running and it helps our neighborhoods thrive. But we have to be willing to transform the way we approach energy and imagine new solutions that will strengthen our collective energy community.

Mauricio Gutierrez is President and CEO of NRG Energy, America’s premier competitive power company. Mauricio joined NRG in 2004 and helped build it from a regional wholesale generation business into a national, Fortune 500 energy company. Previously he held the positions of Chief Operating Officer for five years and Executive Vice President of commercial operations overseeing all commodities trading. Mauricio has held several senior positions at energy merchant Dynegy and consulting firm DTP in Mexico City.

Mauricio is leading the company’s transformation to a customer-focused organization that empowers consumers with personalized energy choices. As CEO, Mauricio rightsized business operations through aggressive costs reductions and a $3.2 billion divestiture program, reduced corporate debt by 80% and increased the dividend by 10x. Mauricio has also overseen a 30% growth in retail customers as the company continues to advance its consumer strategy.

Under his tenure, NRG implemented a comprehensive sustainability framework into the business strategy through best-in-class governance and transparency. NRG was the first power Company to report under the Sustainability Standards Accounting Board (SASB) requirements in 2016. It was also one of the first to have Science Based carbon reductions targets and in 2019, the company accelerated its carbon reduction goals to align with the 1.5 degree Celsius scenario and achieve net zero by 2050. NRG has been recognized as one of the best places to work and best employers for diversity by Forbes.

Mauricio is a member of the Business Roundtable and serves on the boards of NRG Energy, Electric Power Supply Association (EPSA), Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP) and Drexel University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the Universidad Panamericana and two master’s degrees – one in mineral economics from the Colorado School of Mines and one in petroleum economics from the French Petroleum Institute.

Please join the Mines Global Energy Future Initiative and the Payne Institute for Public Policy at the Colorado School of Mines as we welcome Allyson Anderson Book, Vice President of Energy Transition, Baker Hughes, presenting a virtual seminar titled Sustainability and the Supply Chain on Thursday, October 14, 2021 from 11:00am – 12:00pm (MT).

A truly sustainable and ethical company does not exist on its own. It requires a business community of customers and suppliers to support its efforts. Join us for a discussion with Allyson Anderson Book as she explores what it means to be authentically sustainable and how to drive sustainability within a supply chain.

Allyson Anderson Book is vice president of energy transition for Baker Hughes. In this role she oversees Baker Hughes’ energy-transition strategy and works to develop new energy products and services that help lower carbon emissions while meeting the world’s growing energy needs.

Before joining Baker Hughes she served as the executive director of the American Geosciences Institute, which represents more than 250,000 geoscientists and focuses on increasing public awareness of the role geosciences play in society’s use of resources. Prior to that, she held a number of academic, policy and senior government positions, including teaching at Georgetown University, working for the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee and serving as the associate director of strategic engagement of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) at the U.S. Department of the Interior. She began her career as a geoscientist for ExxonMobil.

She holds bachelor’s degrees in geology and music from the University of Northern Iowa, and a master’s degree in geology from Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis.