South Australia copper giant OZ Minerals will likely have on-site renewable energy generation at its new copper mine at Carrapateena. Documents the company recently submitted to the federal environment department specifically discussed renewable energy sources for powering the mine, in light of South Australia’s recent blackouts and rising energy prices.
The company proposes supplementing its tie to the South Australia grid with on-site renewable and diesel power to meet its energy demand, which it estimates will be between 40 and 57.5 megawatts per day. The mine’s current energy plan is subject to change, however.
“When we find a faster, more cost effective or safer ways to do things we’ll make a change and that includes power,” a spokesman for OZ Minerals said.
OZ is expected to approve final investment in the Carrapateena mine as early as next month, and break ground on the project before the end of the year. The mine stands to begin producing 61,000 tonnes of copper and 63,000 ounces of gold per year in 2019.
Read the full article in the Financial Review.