The Steve Parsons-led gold developer said on Monday it had engaged Energy Developments Limited to build a 13-megawatt power plant comprising wind, solar and thermal generation backed up by batteries.
However the plant would also include a gas engine configuration, with EDL providing trucked LNG to Bellevue as a back-up in the absence of solar and wind resources.
An oversized crushing circuit allowing for a processing rate of more than 1.5Mtpa providing optionality for the project to maximise crushing in peak renewable energy generation periods.
Bellevue said the plant would enable the mine to have the lowest scope-1 emissions of any major gold mine in Australia.
EDL built, owns and operates a similar turnkey power solution at the Agnew gold mine operated by Gold Fields about 35km south of Bellevue.
Bellevue said the agreement was a key step in its aspiration to become Australia’s first net zero emissions gold miner and produce green gold, for which the company hopes to secure a competitive advantage and potentially a premium on its product.
Managing director Steve Parsons said Bellevue’s pre-production carbon mitigation plan had been strategic and world leading.
“It achieves the holy grail of lower emissions and a direct cost reduction in power generation,” he said.
“The combination of these metrics is expected to will position Bellevue as one of the most sustainable and financially successful Australian gold miners, maximising returns for all stakeholders.
“It will also underpin the company’s strong appeal to global investors, who demand performance on both financial and ESG measures.”
The news comes as Bellevue also announced on Monday it had signed a native title agreement with the local Tjiwarl people.
Bellevue is expected to produce an average 200,000 ounces a year over the first five years of operation at all-in sustaining costs of $1000-$1100 per ounce. Commercial production is forecast for the second half of 2023 ahead of a 10-year plus mine life.
