Dugald River mine is stepping up its transition to a greener more sustainable future, with the official opening of a new solar farm at Mount Isa.
The Dugald River Solar Farm is providing the site with around a third of its electricity needs, as part of a focus on reducing the mine’s carbon footprint.
Dugald River General Manager Tim Akroyd said the solar farm, which has been in operation since April last year, has reduced energy-related emissions by around 33 per cent.
“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,” he said.
“The introduction of renewable energy provides both environmental and economic benefits as a 24/7 operation in a remote location.”
“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.”
Australian energy infrastructure business APA Group is the owner and operator of the 88MW solar farm at Mica Creek in Mount Isa, as part of a long-term solar offtake agreement.
Dr Akroyd said plans are underway to extend Dugald River’s renewable energy sources to wind.
“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 ¾ 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 is playing an important role in supporting MMG’s vision to be a leading international mining company for a low carbon future. The important minerals it mines are being used to make sustainable technologies for future generations.
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