One of the world’s most significant rare earths mines, backed by Australia’s richest person, Gina Rinehart, continues to defy its own expectations and is operating at an average share of 93 per cent renewables so far this year.
The Mt Weld mine, owned by Lynas Rare Earths, in which Rinehart has a significant stake, expected to average around 70 per cent renewables after its new 65 megawatt hybrid power plant was commissioned by Zenith Energy late last year.
But it has done way better than that. According to the company’s annual report, released this week, the mine – along with its processing plants – has been operating at an average 93 per cent from January through to June, “well above” its target rate.
The Mt Weld hybrid plant combines 24 MW of wind, delivered by four turbines, a 7 MW solar farm, and a 12 MW/12 MWh battery, backed up by a 17 MW diesel system.
According to Lynas, the hybrid power plant delivered savings of more than 870,000 litres of diesel in the third quarter alone, compared to the same period a year earlier when it was operating only a diesel plant. It says this has reduced costs, increased operational energy efficiency and reduced emissions.
