MMG is advancing its stake in renewable energy at its Dugald River site in North-West Queensland.
The major zinc producer is moving on plans construct eight 6MW wind turbines to help meet power needs at the site around 64km north-west of Cloncurry.
Power is currently supplied from the gas-fired Diamantina Power Station and APA Group’s Dugald River Solar Farm near Mount Isa.
The company has far-reaching plans for the generation.
In documents for the environmental approvals process, MMG said in the first instance the electricity generated would meet operational needs.
Expansion had the potential to provide power to the wider region resulting in significant emission reductions it said.
The proposed wind turbines would be located on the Knapdale Range, within the Dugald River mining leases.
MMG plans to use Goldwind GW 165-5.2/5.6/6.0MW turbines, which have a hub height of 130m, a rotor diameter of 165m, and a rotor sweep area between 47.5m and 212.5m above ground level.
The project’s referral under the under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act states that solar energy currently displaces 33 per cent of the mine’s electricity-related emissions, saving about 750t-CO2e emissions per week.
Wind energy has the potential to displace a further 40 per cent of Dugald River’s energy requirements, reducing emissions by about 1,000t-CO2e per week.
‘A combined renewable energy approach will result in a reduction of approximately 90kt-CO2e per year, assisting MMG to achieve their commitment of net zero Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2050,’ the document states.
Overview of the processing plant and stockpile at Dugald River.