Australian mining corporation Rio Tinto has announced that it will develop an 80MW solar farm, providing renewable energy to its iron ore projects in Pilbara, Western Australia.
The agreement has been co-announced with Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation (NAC), who represent the Indigenous Australian people of the Pilbara region.
Richard Cohen, Managing Director Rail, Port & Core Services at Rio Tinto, comments: “Developments like this are about more than reducing emissions – they’re critical for economic opportunities and strengthening our connection with the Ngarluma People.”
Ljuba Mojovic, CEO of Ngarluma Aboriginal Corporation, adds: “The Solar farm project will enable NAC to realise sustainable revenues, increase contracting opportunities and contribute to a positive environmental impact in the Pilbara.”
The company stated that the solar farm could overtake 11% of the natural gas the company currently uses for production across its Pilbara integrated mining portfolio.
Upon completion, the solar farm is estimated to cut Rio’s emissions by up to 120Kt per annum.
Commissioning is due to take place in 2027, following a feasibility study for the solar farm which will likely take place next to Rio’s Yurralyi Maya Power Station near Karratha. This study should be finished in early 2025.
However, to begin in 2027 the project will need the right approvals and final investment decision (FID).
To displace most of Rio’s Pilbara gas used in its power network, the company estimates that 600MW to 700MW will be required by 2030. It is driven by a need to electrify its portfolio across the country, which it expects to do after 2030.
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