--- title: "Energy and Mines conference: key takeaways from Susan Campbell and Isabelle Leblanc" date: 2024-11-26T15:31:00-05:00 author: Camille Boully canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/energy-and-mines-conference-key-takeaways-from-susan-campbell-and-isabelle-leblanc" section: Publications --- We had the opportunity to attend the [Energy and Mines](https://toronto.energyandmines.com/) conference, held on November 12 and 13, 2024, in Toronto. Specialists, professionals and companies, mainly from North America, but also from South America and Europe, gathered for the event. Here are some key insights and observations that caught our attention. 1. ELECTRIFICATION The mining sector is increasingly focused on electrifying operations and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Notable examples include acquiring electric trucks and trolley-assist systems for transport trucks and using low-carbon power sources. 2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS Energy efficiency continues to be a priority, with many of the largest and best established players already implementing the most promising initiatives. Options like renewable diesel and biodiesel are being explored to replace diesel. However, the mining sector often doesn’t differentiate between these two types of fuel, despite the critical factors that affect their use. BBA can assist clients in selecting the most suitable renewable fuels, especially when addressing the constraints associated with biofuels and supply chains. 3. PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships have become essential for project success, helping large companies reduce risks while lowering investment costs for smaller ones. Forming partnerships with First Nations and local communities has also grown in importance. 4. DECARBONIZATION The decarbonization sector is evolving rapidly, making it crucial to continually adapt and reassess strategies. The cost of wind and solar energy is declining quickly, technologies are advancing and financing options are becoming more accessible. The future focus is likely to shift to carbon capture for processes that are challenging to decarbonize, such as metal smelting and conversion. This topic is expected to gain more attention in future discussions when solutions for electrification and fuel substitution have been implemented. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Ec employee women susan campbell retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204307/ec_employee_women-_susan-campbell_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) Susan Campbell, P.Eng., PMP Director, Decarbonization Read bio [ ](http://linkedin.com/in/susancampbell-peng) **Susan Campbell brings over 25 years of experience leading strategic technology projects and carbon initiatives,** combining technical rigour with leadership to secure investments and optimize performance. **Key expertise and certifications** - Advanced carbon reduction technologies - Optimization of the energy value chain - Process engineering and complex facility design - Professional Engineer (P.Eng.), PMP **Major achievements:** Managed complex projects in renewable co-processing and carbon strategies, delivering innovative solutions for major players in the energy sector. **Approach and added value:** Susan combines in-depth technical expertise and strategic leadership to deliver reliable results, anticipate technical and regulatory challenges and accelerate the energy transition. 2. ![Isabelle Leblanc Carre](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/176805/Isabelle-Leblanc-Carre.webp) Isabelle Leblanc, P.Eng. Vice-President, Mining and Metals Market Read bio [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/isabelle-leblanc-5aa12848/) **With over 20 years of experience in mining projects, Isabelle Leblanc helps decision-makers move forward with confidence** by identifying value-driven scenarios that can be implemented in the field. **Key expertise and certifications** - NI 43-101, JORC and due diligence, technical audits - Open-pit mining strategies and optimization - Strategic mine studies and planning - Project cost estimation and economic analysis **Major achievements:** Led more than 25 studies (from preliminary and pre-feasibility to bankable feasibility) for gold, copper, lithium and iron in diverse geological and organizational settings. **Approach and added value:** Isabelle excels in transforming technical requirements into clear decision-making options, lowering risks and improving overall project performance. - [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance") - [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing") - [ 19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals Speed is earned early in projects - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects") - [ 17 Jun 2026 Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp) Pierre Boucher, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") Let’s think it further together [ Contact us ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) We had the opportunity to attend the [Energy and Mines](https://toronto.energyandmines.com/) conference, held on November 12 and 13, 2024, in Toronto. Specialists, professionals and companies, mainly from North America, but also from South America and Europe, gathered for the event. Here are some key insights and observations that caught our attention. 1. ELECTRIFICATION The mining sector is increasingly focused on electrifying operations and transitioning to renewable energy sources. Notable examples include acquiring electric trucks and trolley-assist systems for transport trucks and using low-carbon power sources. 2. ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS Energy efficiency continues to be a priority, with many of the largest and best established players already implementing the most promising initiatives. Options like renewable diesel and biodiesel are being explored to replace diesel. However, the mining sector often doesn’t differentiate between these two types of fuel, despite the critical factors that affect their use. BBA can assist clients in selecting the most suitable renewable fuels, especially when addressing the constraints associated with biofuels and supply chains. 3. PARTNERSHIPS Partnerships have become essential for project success, helping large companies reduce risks while lowering investment costs for smaller ones. Forming partnerships with First Nations and local communities has also grown in importance. 4. DECARBONIZATION The decarbonization sector is evolving rapidly, making it crucial to continually adapt and reassess strategies. The cost of wind and solar energy is declining quickly, technologies are advancing and financing options are becoming more accessible. The future focus is likely to shift to carbon capture for processes that are challenging to decarbonize, such as metal smelting and conversion. This topic is expected to gain more attention in future discussions when solutions for electrification and fuel substitution have been implemented. This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA