Integrated greenhouse gas accounting model for the Philex-Padcal mine project in Benguet Province, Philippines / Elenita L. Racelis ; Teodoro R. Villanueva, chair, advisory committee.

Date

12-2015

Abstract

A spreadsheet-based model was developed to determine the carbon fluxes into and from mining project operations of Philex-Padcal Mine in Benguet Province, Philippines. Using 2014 as base year, the model was able to track the emissions of the entire project operations from mine, mill processes and auxiliary activities. Results showed that the project has a total emission of 267,801.26 t CO2e, broken down as follows: Scope 1 (fuel and fugitive emissions): 14,026.49 t; Scope 2 (purchased electricity): 238,400.85 t; Scope 3 (air travels, LPG for domestic use, power sold or rented and waste disposal): 14,161.43 t; and Scope 4 (biomass loss): 1,212.49 t. The power consumption has the highest percentage share of emissions due to its source from coal power plant which has a highest percentage share of emissions due to its source from coal power plant which has a highest emission factor and GWP. Energy sources from electricity and fuel garnered the bulk of emissions (94%) of the entire project operation. A separate accounting was done on the CO2 sequestered by the project's mining forests, which were classified as high, medium and low-density stand. It has an average biomass density of 176.83 t/ha with equivalent C and CO2 stored of 169.74 t/ha and 622.37 t/ha, respectively. Given the total area of 12,185 ha at a mean biomass annual increment of 6.55 t/ha/yr with equivalent of 2.95 t/ha/yr C or 10.81 t/ha/yr CO2, the Padcal mining forests have a total CO2 storage of 153,451.87 t/yr. Accounting for both the GHG emissions and carbon sequestration potential of the project resulted to a net emission of 114.349.39 t/yr. This means that the project is generally a net carbon emitter. Therefore, there is a need to reduce its emissions, primarily by shifting its energy source to a low carbon or renewable energy source with zero emission factor. Reducing Philex-Padcal's Mine's power emissions by half will result in the project's net carbon sequestration. Likewise, it should intensify its energy reduction schemes, protection and maintenance of existing vegetation and reforestation efforts to add more carbon sinks that will offset the amount of CO2e emitted by the project. Financial analysis of the study showed that the reforestation project will be profitable at a carbon price of ≥ US [dollar sign] 40 (BCR of 1.06) in the carbon trading market with ROI of Php 0.06 yr and payback period of about 17 years. The proposed 600-ha reforestation sites to be established up to 2020 have a projected mean annual sequestration rate of 10,199.18 t CO2 yr. Likewise, the shift from fluorescent to LED lamps resulted to a profitable BCR of 3.6, ROI of PhP 2.56/yr and five (5) months payback period. Based on the projected net CO2 change with the mitigation scenario, the project will have a net CO2 uptake of 15,758.32 t/yr contributed by energy saving measures, new reforestation projects and reduction in half of its electricity emissions by shifting to renewable energy source.

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Forestry

College

Graduate School (GS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Teodoro R. Villanueva

Committee Member

Myrna G. Carandang, Leonardo M. Florece, Renato L. Lapitan, Teodoro R. Villanueva

Language

English

LC Subject

Greenhouse gas mitigation -- Philippines, Mineral industries -- Philippines, Climate change mitigation -- Philippines, Forestry: Forest Resources Management College of Forestry and Natural Resources

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 996 2015 F65 R33

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