The Renewable Revolution in U.S. Mining: Why Now Is the Time to Go Clean—and How Pacifico Energy Can Help

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The Future of Mining Is Not Just in the Ground—It’s in the Grid

Energy is the backbone of mining. Whether you're extracting lithium, silver, copper, or rare earths, your ability to mine profitably—and sustainably—comes down to the cost, reliability, and source of your power.

That’s why the U.S. mining sector is undergoing a quiet but powerful transformation.

Driven by rising grid prices, sustainability mandates, investor pressure, and the sheer cost of diesel, mining operators are increasingly embracing solar, wind, and battery energy solutions. Some are going off-grid entirely. Others are integrating renewables into hybrid systems that cut costs and carbon at once.

Enter Pacifico Energy —a clean energy developer providing turnkey Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) solutions tailored to the mining industry. From land acquisition to permitting to grid independence, Pacifico Energy helps mining companies decarbonize operations without spending upfront capital, through a model that increases revenue by reducing energy costs and unlocking land value.

Let’s dive into why this shift is happening, which companies are leading it, and how Pacifico Energy is uniquely positioned to support the mining industry's clean energy evolution.

Mining Is an Energy Guzzler—And It’s Costing Companies Their Margins

U.S. mines consume millions of megawatt-hours of electricity and fuel every year. Many are located in remote or semi-grid-reliant areas where transmission is weak, and diesel remains the fallback—at a high cost to both OPEX and ESG performance.

Meanwhile, energy prices are rising. From demand spikes and volatile fuel pricing to utility rate increases and carbon regulations, mining companies are seeing double-digit increases in energy costs year over year.

Common Challenges Facing Mining Operators:

Remote location, poor grid access

High diesel reliance

Volatile utility bills

Time-of-use penalties

Pressure to meet ESG goals

For many operators—especially junior and mid-tier mining companies—energy has become a strategic vulnerability.

But it doesn’t have to be.

Pacifico Energy: Energy-as-a-Service for Mining Operators

At Pacifico Energy , we specialize in Energy-as-a-Service (EaaS) models for energy-intensive industries like mining. We develop, own, and operate solar, wind, and battery-powered energy systems on or adjacent to your site, providing power under a long-term, low-cost agreement.

No upfront capital investment

We acquire and develop the land, if needed

We design, permit, and install your system

We maintain and optimize performance

You just buy the energy—clean, reliable, and cheaper

Whether you’re seeking behind-the-meter independence, peak shaving, or a grid-tied renewable strategy, our team of engineers, developers, and land acquisition specialists will customize a system that delivers results.

Free Site Assessment Available for any U.S.-based mining operation.

Mining Companies Already Embracing Renewable Energy

While Pacifico Energy is not affiliated with the companies listed below, these mining leaders serve as strong examples of how renewables are driving operational improvements:

Hecla Mining Company Hecla’s Greens Creek Mine in Alaska is already running on 100% hydropower, saving millions annually in diesel costs while reducing emissions. Hecla is exploring further clean energy integration across its portfolio.

Nevada Gold Mines (Barrick & Newmont JV) This powerhouse joint venture has invested in solar and battery storage projects to support its Nevada operations, showcasing how large-scale gold production and renewable energy can go hand in hand.

Lithium Americas Their Thacker Pass project in Nevada aligns with the demand for battery-grade lithium. They are exploring on-site solar and storage systems as part of a broader sustainability strategy.

MP Materials Owner of the Mountain Pass rare earths mine, MP Materials has publicly committed to clean energy goals, including integration of renewables to reduce the carbon footprint of their extraction and processing.

First Majestic Silver With a presence in both the U.S. and Mexico, First Majestic is investing in energy efficiency upgrades and exploring renewables to reduce operating expenses and environmental impact.

South32 South32, which operates Hermosa and other U.S. development-stage assets, has disclosed a company-wide commitment to decarbonization, including exploring clean energy options across its operations.

Freeport-McMoRan Freeport is exploring hybrid solar-diesel microgrids and energy storage solutions to help reduce emissions and support 24/7 operations at some of its North American facilities.

How Pacifico Energy Helps Mines Unlock Value—On and Off the Grid

What makes Pacifico Energy different isn’t just the energy—it’s the land strategy that goes with it.

Mining operations often own or border underutilized land. We help turn that land into an asset by:

Acquiring or leasing adjacent parcels to host clean energy infrastructure

Permitting solar, wind, and battery energy storage systems with minimal disturbance to operations

Developing standalone microgrids to support off-grid or weak-grid operations

Creating secondary revenue through land leaseback or joint ventures

We go beyond just clean electrons. We’re partners in resilience, cost savings, and land optimization.

Need to operate in a remote location with poor grid reliability? We can build a solar and battery microgrid on land we acquire near your operation. Facing permitting constraints? We’ll handle the interconnection studies and land entitlement.

The Case for Junior Mining Companies

Junior mining firms are often the most energy-exposed: small teams, thin margins, and exploration sites in rugged terrain. Yet they’re also the most nimble and can benefit disproportionately from clean energy.

At Pacifico Energy, we tailor solutions that help junior miners:

Lock in predictable energy costs for feasibility planning

Strengthen ESG credentials to attract capital

Increase project valuation through energy independence

Reduce permitting complexity with sustainable land use

We understand how tight timelines and risk aversion shape early-stage projects. Our zero-CAPEX, high-impact EaaS model is the answer.

Partner With Pacifico Energy – Let’s Build the Future of Mining Together

The global push for cleaner, greener, and more cost-efficient mining has never been stronger. And Pacifico Energy is ready to help you lead the charge.

We serve miners of all sizes, from lithium startups in the Southwest to silver producers in the Rockies. Our mission is to help mining operations lower energy costs, meet sustainability goals, and turn land into strategic value.

Interested in a free feasibility assessment? Let’s talk: phil@pacificoenergy.com

Learn more: www.pacificoenergy.com Active across the U.S. – ready to support your site, wherever it’s located.

Final Thought: Clean Power = Stronger Mines

The energy revolution is here, and it’s especially vital for the mining industry. As demand for battery metals and green technologies surges, mining companies must prove they can extract responsibly—and affordably.