Construction is now underway for a 3.8-megawatt solar array at Mineral Resources’ (MinRes) Ken’s Bore site, part of the broader Onslow Iron project in Western Australia.
The installation is expected to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions for the mining operation.
Once completed, the solar array will feature over 6600 solar panels, which are anticipated to offset around 95 terajoules of natural gas, reducing annual carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 4990 tonnes.
According to MinRes, this initiative highlights its commitment to cleaner energy solutions for its operations.
General Manager Operations and Development Energy Rowan Hill said the technology, together with a battery energy storage system, is planned to become operational by January 2025 to supplement the mine’s power generation system.
“Together with natural gas, renewables play an important role in our energy transition – especially solar power to support our remote locations,” Rowan said.
“At Onslow Iron, a range of renewable energy solutions is being designed to offset more adverse fuels and our Energy division continues to pursue cleaner and more reliable power sources.”
In addition to the solar infrastructure, the project includes a dedicated gas pipeline extending 16km underground from the Goldfields gas pipeline to Ken’s Bore power station, reducing reliance on diesel fuel.
The pipeline has been built with a 55-terajoules-per-day capacity, supporting potential electrification of the mine that will incorporate both gas and renewable energy sources.
Located 150km east of Onslow in the west Pilbara region, Onslow Iron is set to have an annual production capacity of 35 million tonnes, with an anticipated mine life of more than 30 years.
The project is being developed by MinRes in partnership with Red Hill Iron Joint Venture (RHIJV) partners, including China Baowu Steel Group, AMCI, and POSCO.
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