Dugald River has announced a long-term solar offtake agreement with energy provider, APA Group, that will lead to a reduction in the mine’s carbon footprint.

The solar agreement will supply Dugald River with renewable energy and provide immediate energy cost savings once operational in early 2023. The 44MW solar farm will be built and operated by APA Group at Mica Creek in Mount Isa.

Dugald River Mine General Manager, Tim Akroyd, said the provision of renewable energy will reduce energy related to emissions by approximately 33 per cent, bringing MMG options to investigate future growth and asset planning.

“Incorporating renewable energy is both environmentally and economically beneficial. It contributes to our carbon reduction initiatives as well as offering greater energy supply diversity,” he said.

“We run a 24/7 operation in a remote location under extreme weather conditions. Having multiple power sources safeguards our business so we can run without risk of interruption.

“Moving towards a low carbon economy and reducing cost also supports our ore body extension initiatives and potential future growth options.”

MMG is already playing a role in the global transition to a low carbon economy with many of the metals produced, including copper and zinc, used to make sustainable technologies such as solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and batteries.

Further emission reductions, cost savings and growth initiatives will also be enabled by the CopperString 2.0 project which has the potential to deliver baseload, grid-connected energy alternative to residents and businesses in the region.

“We look forward to continuing our support for CopperString 2.0 as a baseload energy alternative and believe the addition of renewable energy now will also be complementary to grid connection through CopperString 2.0,” added Tim.