Sean Kautzman

   

Principal Consultant (Mining)
SRK Consulting

BIO

Over the course of Sean’s 25 years within the mining industry he has amassed significant experience in engineering and operations.

His specialties include underground mine design, implementation of mine decarbonization strategies, design and execution of operational improvement projects, incorporation of new technology, systems, and processes as part of the Mining 4.0 transition, and due diligence studies.

The commodities Sean has worked with include base metals, precious metals, uranium, iron, and construction aggregates, with settings ranging from surface pits down to ultra-deep underground mines.

His operating experience began with surface iron mining in Michigan and aggregate mining in the USA and Canada, later moving into underground operations at Vale’s metal mines in the Sudbury Basin.

Since joining SRK in 2018, Sean has undertaken many projects in North and South America, Europe, and Africa.

Session 8
22 October 2025 / 15:15 - 16:30 | Lagoas hall

Breaking Ground, Not the Planet: Decarbonization in Mining Studies

The urgency to meet global greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets, as outlined in the Paris Agreement, is intensifying, with interim 2030 goals and net-zero by 2050 at risk due to insufficient progress.

The mining industry faces a dual challenge: it is both a significant GHG emitter and a critical supplier of materials for renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems.

Mining operations, particularly material movement and ore processing, are energy-intensive, making decarbonization essential. Proactive integration of GHG mitigation strategies across all project phases—from exploration to operation—is vital.

Decarbonization should be embedded into daily practices of mining professionals, enabling the design of low-emission mines regardless of size, location, or commodity.

By leading in sustainability, the mining sector can meet global demand for critical minerals while contributing to meaningful carbon reduction.

This presentation will highlight actionable strategies and examples to inspire a low-carbon future in mining technical studies.