Bellevue Gold Ltd (ASX:BGL) is a step closer to net-zero for its maiden gold production later this year after agreeing to purchase power from a hybrid power station to be built at its namesake gold project in Western Australia.
The company, which aims to become Australia’s first 'green' gold producer, signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with a subsidiary of Tier-1 power supplier Zenith Energy Operations Pty Ltd for the construction of a renewable power station at the Bellevue Gold Project site.
This hybrid power station will consist of wind and solar generation as well as thermal generation and battery energy storage and has been designed to run ‘engine-off’ for extended periods.
Zenith will finance, design, build, own, operate and maintain the 88-megawatt power station for an initial term of 15 years from the start of commercial operation of the thermal station.
Power station construction; including completion of structural concrete for thermal generators and ongoing trenching of earthing grids. LNG facility to the right, including concrete plinths for storage tanks.
Bellevue has started construction of the power station infrastructure, with earthworks and concrete foundations for the thermal station completed.
Key electrical infrastructure has been secured, including critical long-lead items and the main switch room. Zenith will acquire all long-lead items associated with the PPA.
Aiming for premium
“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.”
Carbon-neutral strategy
As part of the company’s low-emission strategy, Bellevue is seeking innovative and technical solutions to further reduce carbon emissions generated in other areas of its operations.
To that end, it has joined the Electric Mine Consortium (EMC) consisting of 20 highly respected and progressive ASX-listed and private mining and services companies whose aim is to further decarbonise the industry.
Bellevue hopes to collaborate with these companies to gain access to new technologies, methodologies and information to achieve net zero operations by 2026.
From left: David Woodford (ABC Refinery), Darren Stralow, Luke Gleeson and Phillip Cochineas (ABC) at the signing ceremony.
Premum price
Further, Bellevue has executed a refining agreement with ABC Refinery (Australia) Pty Ltd, a unit of Pallion Group Pty Ltd, for Bellevue’s gold to be refined separately.
This will pave the way for the gold to be marketed as a ‘green’ product, and potentially attracting a premium price.