Solar power standard set in North-West Queensland

MMG’s Dugald River operation is among a clutch of mines in North-West Queensland leading standards of green mining. It comes as APA Group officially opens the 88-megawatt Dugald River Solar Farm in Mount Isa today. The facility is supporting MMG, Mount Isa Mines and Century mining operations with solar energy firmed by gas from APA’s nearby Diamantina power station. Image at top of page: The Dugald River operation The facility will provide the Dugald River mine with about a third of its electricity needs and is part of a focus on reducing the mine’s carbon footprint, according to MMG. The Dugald River solar farm. The farm, in operation since April last year, had reduced energy-related emissions by about 33 per cent and was a transition to a more sustainable future, Dugald River general manager Tim Akroyd said. “As a relatively new mine, we have strong aspirations to decarbonise our mining operations, continue to reduce our carbon footprint and be a global leader in sustainability,” Dr Akroyd said. “The introduction of renewable energy provides both environmental and economic benefits as a 24/7 operation in a remote location. Dugald River general manager Dr Tim Akroyd “We are already seeing the cost savings from the solar farm, which is a welcome reprieve as the cost of mining continues to rise, making for more challenging economic conditions.” The Dugald River operation is 65km north-west of Cloncurry and mines one of the highest-grade zinc deposits known in the world. Plans were underway to extend Dugald River’s renewable energy sources to wind, Dr Akroyd said. “We are investigating the feasibility of building a wind farm at Dugald River, which would complement this new solar facility,” Dr Akroyd said. “Our medium-term goal is for 3⁄4 of our power to come from renewable energy sources, which will deliver further cost savings to our site and reduce our environmental footprint for our local community.” The move to a low-carbon economy has the potential to support future ore body extension initiatives and opens up future growth opportunities for Dugald River. Dugald River was playing an important role in supporting MMG’s vision to be a leading international mining company for a low-carbon future, the company said. Its mined products are also used to make sustainable technologies. UGL provided the design, engineering and construction of the 88MW Dugald River solar farm. The scope of works included a transmission line, 3km access, AC and DC underground cables as well as inverters, piles and trackers. The farm is made up of more than 183,000 photovoltaic modules.

Solar power standard set in North-West Queensland

Industry Queensland

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