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Pacific Energy solar

Pacific Energy signs deal to deliver its biggest solar farm yet for Gold Fields’ St Ives mine

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Pacific Energy has signed an agreement with Gold Fields to design and construct a 35 MW solar farm for the St Ives gold mine, 80 km south of Kalgoorlie in Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields region.

The solar farm is a part of Gold Fields’ landmark A$296 million ($198 million) St Ives Renewables project, which also includes 42 MW of wind power. The system is expected to power the mine site using upwards of 70% renewable energy and will reduce the mine’s carbon emissions by about 50% by 2030.

The St Ives Renewables project is the first time Gold Fields has managed a renewables project in-house. The solar farm is the largest array Pacific Energy has ever been commissioned to deliver and will meet nearly half of the power system’s renewable energy target.

Pacific Energy’s Chief Executive, Jamie Cullen, said: “Gold Fields is taking firm steps to significantly reduce its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030, and we’re committed to helping them achieve this. Our engineers have factored in scalability to the solar design so that Gold Fields could expand its solar contribution almost immediately if it needed to.

“Design and installation solar contracts like this one, which sit between gigawatt and residential scale systems, are particularly suited to Pacific Energy’s specialist renewable energy capabilities. They allow us to help our partners transition their energy mix using their existing systems, or, like this one, as a part of a larger, client-managed project.

“A key lesson we’ve learned over the years is that the design needs to be flexible and account for the rapid changes we’re seeing in the renewable energy transition.”

Gold Fields’ Principal Specialist – Project Director, Simon Schmid, said partnering with a local company delivered on the company’s local procurement commitments.

“We are thrilled to partner with Pacific Energy on the design and installation of the St Ives solar farm. Gold Fields is committed to local procurement where possible and we are proud to support Australian businesses.

“This marks a significant step forward in Gold Fields’ decarbonisation journey and another milestone in the delivery of our biggest renewables project to date in Australia as we invest in projects that reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Cullen added: “Like Pacific Energy, Gold Fields is putting its words into action and setting a high bar for energy decarbonisation. We’re really pleased to partner with them on the project, and on their journey to net zero.”

Pacific Energy will commence civil work on the solar farm in November this year and expects it to be fully operational in 2026.

DNDC, Fireweed Metals and Solvest embark on renewable power project for Macpass

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Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation (DNDC), Fireweed Metals Corp and Solvest Inc have partnered to enhance sustainable, economic resource development at the Macpass project, in the Traditional Territories of the Kaska Dena Nation and the First Nation of Na-cho Nyäk Dun.

DNDC, based in Ross River, Yukon, through its wholly owned company, Tu-Lidlini Petroleum LP (TLP), has entered into a five-year lease with Fireweed for the renewable power equipment. Solvest, with expertise in renewable energy solutions, is providing the design, construction and maintenance of the facility.

The renewable power system includes a 70 kW DC ground mount solar array, and a containerised power system comprised of a 144 kWh battery, 54 kW inverters, switchgear and controllers.

Diesel fuel savings from this project are estimated by Solvest at about 24,000 litre per season, equivalent to more than an 80% reduction in carbon emissions directly for its Sekie Camp power. Other benefits include a significant reduction in camp noise from operating diesel generators, lower cost of power and the ability to redeploy the power system.

This is the first renewable power project for TLP, which envisions transitioning to provide both traditional and renewable forms of energy to its clients. This project demonstrates Fireweed’s commitment to sustainably explore and develop critical mineral assets in Canada through progressive leadership, high standards, innovation, and collaborative partnerships for the benefit of present and future generations. The Macpass project is one of the largest, undeveloped primary-zinc projects globally and is accessible by the North Canol Road, some 200 km from Ross River in eastern Yukon.

Solvest provided about 25% of the funding for the project with additional funding provided by The Government of Yukon through the Innovative Renewable Energy Initiative and from the Government of Canada, Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada through the Northern REACHE program. The funding support acknowledges the project’s goals: to reduce diesel consumption and GHG emissions at an exploration camp; and to support economic development opportunities for Dena Nezziddi Development Corporation.

Peter Hemstead, Interim President and CEO, Fireweed Metals Corp, said: “Tu-Lidlini Petroleum has been a trusted supplier of fuels for our exploration operations for several seasons, and this collaboration with TLP and Solvest makes financial, operational and environmental sense. Fireweed will continue to look for opportunities to work alongside partners like TLP and DNDC to both enhance our environmental performance and provide economic benefits to the local communities we work with.”

Cynthia Dick, General Manger, Tu-Lidlini Petroleum LP, said: “DNDC and TLP are excited to be developing projects in the renewable energy field. While allowing renewable energy to complement our existing energy business it also provides us an opportunity to work on reducing our footprint in our territory which we all need to strive towards. The partnership with Solvest and Fireweed Metals has provided an excellent opportunity to make this a reality.”

Ben Power, CEO & co-Founder, Solvest, said: “This project builds on our track record of developing meaningful projects in northern Canada that provide opportunities for our clients and partners to realise their visions of sustainable project development and to enhance ESG attributes. This project is important to us as it is in our home territory and is the first project with both DNDC and Fireweed Metals. We appreciate this opportunity to collaboratively develop a creative commercial structure and to co-invest in another power project, adding to our EPC and O&M services to provide a full-service solar and energy storage product. We acknowledge the support of the territorial and federal grant agencies that were able to confirm funding support for DNDC in a short time frame.”

Navoi Mining to implement major solar power plan at operations

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The Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company, a major gold producer, is implementing a three-year roadmap toward the expanded use of renewable energy to power its operations, it says.

The $450 million program is in line with efforts by the government of Uzbekistan to boost the share of renewable energy to 40% of the country’s total power generation by the year 2030.

In the first half of 2024, NMMC installed photovoltaic panels across 21 major industrial sites with a total capacity of 5,750 kW, enabling the annual generation of up to 9.7 million kWh. The company is further advancing its renewable energy program through the construction of a 500 MW solar power facility near its operations in the Tomdi district of Navoi region, set to be completed in two phases:

  • Phase 1, with a capacity of 220 MW and annual power generation of 374 million kWh is scheduled to be launched in the December quarter of this year; and
  • Phase 2, with a 280 MW capacity and annual generation of 476 million kWh, will be completed in the December quarter of 2025.

The renewable energy investment program, including the launch of the solar power station, will enable total generation of about one billion kWh of per year, or 21.4% of the company’s annual consumption.

This year’s progress follows the installation of 1,200 kW of solar panels in 2023, including 1,000 kW at the Navoi Machine-Building Plant, 100 kW at the Kyzylkum mining department and 100 kW at corporate headquarters. These solar arrays can produce a total of 2.465 million kWh per annum.

In addition to power generation, NMMC is harnessing the sun’s energy to heat water, thereby reducing consumption from other energy sources. With the aid of 4,993 solar water heaters, the company can fully supply its hot water needs during the summer months, conserving an estimated 1.7 million cu.m of natural gas per year, the company says.

Eugeny Antonov, First Deputy CEO for Transformation at NMMC, said: “NMMC is committed to sustainable development and to doing its part to contribute to the global transition to renewable sources of energy. By investing in renewable energy now, we have an opportunity to lower operating costs over the long term and to reduce pollution, while also ensuring a greener future for our communities.”

Rio Tinto continues solar power expansion at Gove, Diavik operations

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Two new 5.25 MW solar farms will be built on Gumatj and Rirratjingu country on the Gove Peninsula in the Northern Territory of Australia, as Rio Tinto works to secure a more sustainable power supply for the region beyond mining, the company says.

The solar farms will be built on Rio Tinto leases, following agreement with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu Traditional Owner Groups on the location of the facilities, and will help underpin a low-carbon future for the Gove community after mining operations cease, towards the end of the decade.

Aggreko will construct, own and operate the solar farms for Rio Tinto for up to 10 years, beginning construction in July 2024 and with completion scheduled for early 2025. The two sites will have combined capacity of 10.5 MW.

Rio Tinto Gove Operations Acting General Manager, Shannon Price, said: “The Gove solar project is part of our shared vision with Traditional Owners to leave a positive legacy for the Gove Peninsula communities after bauxite mining ceases. We’re excited to work with the Gumatj and Rirratjingu clans to provide an opportunity to secure alternative electricity generation assets on their country and to discuss opportunities to commercialise energy infrastructure in the future.

“The solar farms are also part of our ongoing commitment to decarbonise our business. Once operational, they are expected to reduce annual CO2e emissions at our Gove operations by up to 17%. We intend for these farms to underpin sustainable power for the region beyond mining.”

When complete, the solar farms are expected to reduce the region’s annual diesel consumption by about 20%, or 4.5 million litres a year, and lower annual carbon emissions by over 12,000 t.

George Whyte, Managing Director of Aggreko Asia Pacific, said his team has delivered many similar applications to the one at Gove and their focus now is working safely and respectfully with the local custodians of the land.

This news came a day after Rio Tinto’s Diavik diamond mine announced the completed installation of its 3.5 MW capacity solar power plant in Canada’s Northwest Territories.

The project represents the largest off-grid solar power plant across Canada’s territories, with the 6,620-panel facility expected to generate 4.2 million kWh/y of solar energy, reducing diesel consumption at Diavik by 1 million litres per year and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2,900 t of CO2 equivalent.

The solar power plant will provide up to 25% of Diavik’s electricity during closure work, with commercial production at the mine expected to end in 2026 and closure to run until 2029. The facility is equipped with bi-facial panels which not only generate energy from direct sunlight, but also from the light that reflects off the snow that covers Diavik for most of the year.

The solar project complements a wind power plant at Diavik, which has been operating since 2012 and is the largest wind power installation in Canada’s North, having generated over 195 million kWh of electricity since activation.

The project was supported by C$3.3 million ($2.4 million) in funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Large Emitters GHG Reducing Investment Grant Program.

Construction began in February 2024, contracted to Whitehorse-based Solvest Inc. and the Indigenous-owned Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation, with support from Diavik. Approximately 30% of the construction workforce came from the Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation.

State of Play report highlights expected solar dominance in future mine power mix

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The State of Play’s latest industry report has highlighted the increasing prevalence of solar use across the Australian mining landscape, with global mining leaders predicting that solar will be the main energy source in just 15 years as the sector shifts to renewables.

The report, The State of Play: Mining Strategy in a Changing World, received input from over 700 global mining leaders, from major mining groups such as Rio Tinto, BHP and South 32. It uncovered mining leaders predicting oil and diesel will only contribute around 20% of the future energy source for the industry, with 79% indicating solar will be the main energy source over the next 15 years.

The predicted shift comes as pressure mounts for the mining sector to do more in the space of renewables with the majority of mining leaders (91%) believing they are viewed negatively by society as a whole with respect to climate, the report states.

State of Play Chair, Graeme Stanway, says the energy transition, alongside a government push to capitalise on green critical minerals, provides a viable pathway for industry to take action and catalyse industry-wide transition.

“Our data shows that both the energy transition and environmental pressures are in the top three global trends that are expected to have the biggest impact on innovation and change in the mining over the next 15 years,” he said. “Society is expecting the mining industry to step up, and as a consequence we are seeing innovations in processing, new energy sources and technologies. Technology like long duration energy storage has come a long way in the last few years, as has the use of artificial intelligence.”

Companies such as Bellevue Gold (solar operation pictured above) are in the process of developing assets with over 80% renewable penetration, while others, such as Gold Fields, have trialled numerous electric vehicles.

Other insights from the report include:

  • 56% of all respondents stating geopolitical alliances will have the biggest impact on global supply chains in the mining industry;
  • 81% of respondents believe battery minerals will offer the most attractive investment returns over the next 15 years;
  • Nearly 70% of CEOs suggested their timeframe for innovation focus was less than three years; and
  • 67% of respondents stated they believed there would be a carbon-based price differential for their commodities in the next five years.

Glencore’s Rhovan vanadium facility looks to ‘go green’ with solar PV facility

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Rhovan, a Glencore Ferroalloys managed vanadium mining and processing facility located near Brits in the North West province of South Africa, has commenced construction of a 25 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant.

Once completed, the energy produced by the PV plant will be fed into Rhovan’s network and is expected to supply approximately 30% of the operations’ annual energy demand. This reduction in grid-supplied electricity is expected to save over 48,000 t/y in CO2e emissions at the plant, according to Glencore.

Japie Fullard, Glencore Ferroalloys CEO, said: “We are very excited to announce this development at our Rhovan mine. Not only does our mine produce a range of vanadium products that can be used in applications that support a low-carbon economy, but by installing a solar plant that will supply renewable electricity to our operation, we are reducing the mine’s overall emissions footprint.”

Glencore says the solar project was conceived in keeping with its purpose of responsibly sourcing the commodities that advance everyday life. It also supports Glencore’s broader climate strategy aimed at reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its industrial operations in line with its short- and medium-term targets.

Supporting the transition to a low-carbon future is not just about reducing emissions and leveraging more green technology, but also involving communities and supporting their economic development, the company said.

Fullard added: “Rhovan has already consulted with the Bakwena- Ba- Magopa Community in South Africa’s North West province where the operations are situated. The community will be further engaged, and local small and medium sized enterprises will be contracted to assist in the construction and installation of the solar plant.”

Work has already commenced on the project, with the commissioning planned for late 2024.

Aggreko solar power, BESS solution to help Rio Tinto cut Weipa Scope 2 emissions by 10%

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Aggreko has successfully won the bid to build, own and operate a 12.4 MW solar farm and 8.8 MW/2.1 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) under a long-term power purchase agreement for Rio Tinto’s Amrun project in Weipa, 800 km from Cairns in far north Queensland.

Rio Tinto said the project, which will supplement power currently supplied by Aggreko’s diesel generators, will help it reduce Scope 2 emissions at its Weipa operations by up to 10%.

Once operational, Aggreko’s 12.4 MW solar farm and BESS are expected to reduce Amrun’s diesel electricity consumption by 37% or approximately 5.5 million litres of diesel fuel per year. This will reduce annual CO2 emissions by approximately 14,000 t, which is the equivalent of taking 3,100 internal combustion engine cars off the road.

Rio Tinto General Manager Weipa Operations, Shona Markham, said the miner is committed to delivering sustainable, low-carbon bauxite to its customers.

“The construction of the Amrun solar farm and BESS, which is located on Wik and Wik-Waya Traditional lands, is an important milestone for Weipa operations and will contribute to Rio Tinto’s commitment to reduce operational greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

The remote location and power effectiveness made Aggreko the ideal company to build, own, operate and maintain the Amrun solar farm, it said. Aggreko’s capabilities will ensure Rio Tinto has constant and efficient energy for critical applications and day-to-day use at Amrun.

George Whyte, Managing Director of Aggreko Asia Pacific, said his team has delivered many similar applications and the focus now is completing the job on time and safely.

“At Aggreko, we pride ourselves on our exceptional safety record,” Whyte said. “The existing power stations’ performance is essential for all Weipa operations, and as we look into the future, we are confident that the introduction of solar will help both companies achieve our decarbonisation targets.”

Early works have commenced on the Amrun solar farm, which is expected to be operational by early 2025, with no interruption to local power services. Once completed, the Amrun solar farm will provide around 21 GWh/y of renewable power.

Rio Tinto completed the commissioning of the Amrun bauxite mine in 2019. The mine and associated processing and port facilities replaced production from Rio Tinto’s depleting East Weipa mine, increasing annual bauxite export capacity by around 10 Mt at that time.

ABB solution underwrites solar power plant installation at Kinross Tasiast

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A bespoke end-to-end switchgear and circuit breaker solution from ABB Electrification is powering up a new solar plant at Kinross Gold’s Tasiast operation in Mauritania, which is looking to significantly reduce emissions via the use of renewable energy.

The Tasiast project has recently increased capacity to 24,000 t/d of gold while reducing costs.

To help meet the company’s sustainability targets, an integrated PV solar plant has been finalised – with power generation capacity of 34 MW and a battery system of 18 MW – to provide around 20% of the site’s power.

The Tasiast solar project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 530,000 t over the life of the mine, which could save approximately 180 million litres of fuel over the same period, according to the company. The new scheme is also contributing to the Government of Mauritania’s GHG reduction targets in the country.

Long standing ABB partner, Voltalia, based in Portugal, was tasked with the systems integration and value chain of the new project. Despite already being covered for protection relays, IED and energy metres, the main MV switchgear required integration in the Low Voltage Compartment (LVC) and interoperability with other devices from different manufacturers, so all components operated in conjunction, complementing each others functions and meeting all customer demands.

Subsequently, ABB specified 15 SF6-free and UniGear ZS2 air insulated switchgear panels. These offer additional benefits such as a smaller footprint, easy maintenance and assembly, plus withdrawable voltage transformer, according to ABB. The solution also included 13 of ABB’s VD4 vacuum circuit breakers – there are more than two million in active operation globally – which minimise maintenance and costly downtime, increase safety and provide primary and secondary protection guarantees.

Jeremy Martin, Project Manager at Voltalia SA, said: “Working with ABB on the Tasiast solar project was again a good experience. ABB’s technical expertise played a key role in achieving our objectives for this project. Working alongside a committed partner like ABB reinforces our belief that collaboration can bring about real change.”

Crucially, ABB technology comes with compact dimensions free of SF6 insulating gas in the switchgear or the circuit breaker – without compromising performance, safety or reliability – which was a key differentiator for both Voltalia and Kinross, ABB says.

With the relays taking up significant space and having to be fitted within the confines of the LVC door, without interfering with the wiring and other components, the ZS2’s footprint flexibility proved ideal, according to ABB. For extra protection, ABB also integrated two relays in one panel and the Relion RED615, with its superior line differential protection and control for incomer units, complemented the functionality required and fitted in the tight LVC door front access, it added.

Nuno Nunes, Sales Engineer at ABB Portugal, said: “The mining industry is committed to reducing its emissions and integrating more renewable energy sources, so it was great to be involved in this innovative project, which uses our space-saving and SF6-free switchgear and circuit breakers to help provide continuous power supply for the new solar plant to operates at peak levels.”

Nida Deveci, Sales Manager and UGUR ACAR Project Manager for ABB Turkey, explained: “The factory acceptance test with our partner Voltalia was successful at the first attempt and proved that the collaboration and understanding was clear and good from the offset. They were very pleased with the speed of our responses and appreciated the technical revisions and adjustments we brought to the table to complete the process satisfactorily for all concerned parties.”

Centamin to reestablish Sukari as tier one asset with new life of mine plan

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A new life of mine plan for the Sukari gold mine in Egypt will deliver long-term increased gold production, lower operational costs, reduced operational risk and significantly reduced carbon emissions, according to owner Centamin.

The company announced the new plan today, flagging average gold production from Sukari of 506,000 oz/y for the next nine years (2024-2032); and 475,000 oz/y for life of mine (2024–2034), reflecting a 5% increase in life of mine gold production compared to 2022 (441,000 oz).

The main contributors to this increase was an improved open-pit schedule, which included a 40% improvement to the life of mine strip ratio (6.5 times) compared to full year 2022 (10.8 times); an increased underground schedule, including a 75% increase in average life of mine ore mining rates (1.4 Mt/y) compared to FY22 (800,000 t); and the integration of a gold gravity circuit to the processing plant, driving a 2% increase in life of mine gold recoveries (89.8%) compared to FY22 (88.2%).

When it comes to the cost and emissions outlook, Centamin flagged connection to the Egyptian national grid, which would deliver an estimated $41 million of annual cost savings based on current diesel prices. The company also flagged the potential for increasing the capacity of its existing solar power plant, going from the existing 30 MW to 45-50 MW.

The optimisation of the open pit involves several parts – the aforementioned strip ratio changes, deferred processing of stockpiles and an optimised fleet strategy. The latter will see Centamin purchase an additional five trucks in 2024 to support the life of mine plan, at an approximate cost of $13 million taking the Sukari fleet capacity from some 90 Mt/y to 110 Mt/y.

The gold gravity circuit, meanwhile, will be added to the processing facility to improve the recovery of the coarse gold found in the higher grade ore from both the underground and open pit. Construction of this is expected to be completed in the first half of 2025 for an estimated capital cost of up to $20 million.

Centamin also mentioned further upside opportunities to this life of mine plan, including an expansion of dump leach operations, further open pit and plant optimisation, and resource and reserve growth.

Martin Horgan, CEO, said: “Today’s new life of mine plan firmly reestablishes Sukari as a global tier one gold asset, with long-term production above 500,000 oz per annum at all-in sustaining costs below $1,000/oz, underscoring our dedication to maximising free cash flow generation. This plan is not only a substantial improvement on what was previously published but, importantly, it incorporates significantly lower operational risk and delivers improved carbon abatement.

“This revised plan underpins our strategy to maximise the value of Sukari as the foundation for growth and diversification balanced with stakeholder returns.”

Rio Tinto completes 5 MW solar power plant build at Kennecott

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Rio Tinto has completed construction on a new 5 MW solar power plant at its Kennecott copper operation in Utah, USA, with commissioning expected in the coming weeks.

The 12,800 solar panel power plant will enable Kennecott to reduce its operational emissions by 3,000 t/y of carbon dioxide equivalent, Rio Tinto says. It will also serve as a pilot project with the goal of expanding Kennecott’s solar energy supply in the future.

Shifting to sustainable energy solutions is a priority for Kennecott, the company says. The mine closed down its coal-fired power plant in 2019, moving to electricity paired with renewable energy certificates. This resulted in a 65% reduction in its carbon footprint and the elimination of over 1 Mt/y of carbon dioxide output.

Rio Tinto Kennecott Managing Director, Nate Foster, said: “Rio Tinto Kennecott has a key role to play in supporting the energy transition. We supply US companies with the copper and tellurium they need to produce solar panels, wind turbines, and conductors. We also continue to take steps to further decarbonise our business, from our battery-electric vehicle trial to our renewable diesel trial and now to our very own solar plant.”

The location of the 30-acre (12.1-ha) solar array was carefully selected to minimise visual and environmental impacts, Rio Tinto says. It is adjacent to other existing industrial operations, away from residential and commercial zones, with earthen berms from the railway providing a visual barrier to most of the installation.

Last year, Rio Tinto started producing tellurium as a by-product of mining and refining copper at Kennecott, becoming one of only two US producers of this critical mineral. Both copper and tellurium are vital components of photovoltaic solar panels. The tellurium from Kennecott is refined by 5N Plus, a producer of specialty semiconductors and performance materials, before being supplied primarily to First Solar for use in its solar panels.

Rio Tinto aims to reduce its global Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.