The Bellevue project in WA is set to be Australia’s first net-zero gold mine after Bellevue Gold inked a binding agreement to build an 88-megawatt (MW) wind and solar plant near the mine.
Renewable energy provider Zenith Energy will finance, build, own, operate and maintain the plant for a minimum of 15 years.
The plant will also support thermal generation and battery energy storage, with the aim to meet up to 80 per cent of the Bellevue project’s power needs with renewable energy. During peak times, it is hoped the plant will supply 100 per cent of the mine’s power needs.
Zenith is also building a 95MW renewable energy power station at Liontown Resources’ Kathleen Valley lithium project just 15km up the road from Bellevue.
“This power purchase agreement is another key milestone on the path to the start of gold production later this year,” Bellevue managing director Darren Stralow said.
“The high utilisation of renewable energy in the power station and the flexibility to time-shifting activities with renewable energy availability is central to our goal to be Australia’s first net-zero gold producer.
“As well as being environmentally responsible, this approach could see Bellevue receive a premium price for its gold.”
Bellevue has commenced constructing the power plant, with earthworks and concrete foundations for the thermal station complete. The company’s processing circuit has been designed to support wind and solar power generation, delivering emission-free energy use and associated cost reductions.
Bellevue has also joined the likes of South32, IGO, Evolution Mining and Newcrest as a member of the Electric Mine Consortium, which has a singular goal of decarbonising the mining industry.
Furthermore, Bellevue and ABC Refinery have established a refining agreement to ensure Bellevue’s gold can be marketed as a ‘green’ product and sold as such.
The Bellevue gold project is on track to pour first gold in the December quarter of this year.
Subscribe to Australian Resources & Investment and receive the latest news on commodity prices, resource developments, executive movements and more.