en.Wedoany.com Reported - MMG plans to build a 144 MW wind farm and a large battery energy storage system at its Dugald River zinc mine in northwestern Queensland, Australia, aiming to increase the mine's renewable energy supply to over 80%.
The Dugald River zinc mine, one of the world's largest zinc mines, is located approximately 65 kilometers northeast of Cloncurry. The mine currently sources about one-third of its electricity needs from an 88 MW solar photovoltaic plant that began operations in 2024. To advance the development of the wind farm and battery project, the mine has secured funding support from the Queensland Government's North West Energy Fund. The project is expected to become one of the country's largest hybrid renewable energy facilities in a remote area.
Dr. Akroyd, General Manager of the Dugald River mine, stated that this support helps facilitate a final investment decision for the first phase of the wind farm, which could benefit not only the Dugald River mine but also the broader North West Minerals Province. Dr. Akroyd noted that the company aims to position Dugald River as a mine of the future by embracing technology, electrification, and long-term investment in the region, enabling over 80% of its electricity to come from renewable sources.
In remote areas of Western Australia, some off-grid mines (extracting gold, lithium, and rare earths) have already achieved over 90% renewable energy supply. In contrast, the Dugald River mine is significantly larger, and soaring fossil fuel costs, particularly for natural gas, have become a key driver of the energy transition. MMG is reportedly tripling the original size of its wind farm to nearly fully source electricity from wind and solar, supported by battery storage.
The mine's ability to transmit electricity to the grid will largely depend on the development of the Copperstring 2.0 transmission line, which currently has the support of Queensland's Liberal National Party (LNP) government. Queensland Investment Corporation (QIC), owned by the state government, has negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through the A$200 million North West Energy Fund for the development of new battery storage and wind farm facilities at the Dugald River mine, located along the CopperString corridor. Part of the funding will be used to build infrastructure critical to the CopperString project.
Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki stated in a press release that the long-term operation of the Dugald River mine is vital to the northwest region, and this represents a welcome step toward achieving a more economical, reliable, and sustainable electricity plan. The fund aims to unlock economic opportunities by delivering the benefits of CopperString early through investment in localized energy solutions. According to the work plan, A$20 million will be allocated within the corridor to support key upgrades to road and power infrastructure, facilitating construction activities and the transport of large equipment.
The state government also announced that the first tender has been awarded to McCosker Contracting, a Queensland-based company, for earthworks at the Flinders Substation near Hughenden to support the early stages of the CopperString project's eastern line. The North West Minerals Province is considered one of the world's richest mineral regions, with an estimated A$700 billion in critical minerals, along with excellent wind and solar resources.
