Located approximately 200km south west of Onslow, the Ken’s Bore mine site is fully powered by a hybrid gas and solar system supplying energy to key site infrastructure and facilities including crushers, loaders, reclaimers and the nearby Mungala Resort.
At the heart of the project is the Ken’s Bore power station, boasting an installed capacity of 26 megawatts and capable of displacing 60 million litres of diesel each year – effectively reducing CO2 emissions by 40,000 tonnes annually.
To bring Onslow Iron’s energy solution to life, the MinRes Energy team collaborated with the company’s Engineering and Construction team to to construct the power station and a dedicated high-pressure gas pipeline – running 16km underground and connecting the Goldfields Gas Pipeline directly to the gas-fired power station at Ken’s Bore.
The integrated system also features a 3.8-megawatt solar array comprising 6,600 panels and equipped with a single-axis tracking system to maximise solar yield.
This technology offsets an additional 2.6 million litres of diesel per year, which equates to a further reduction of 7,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
A 3.3-megawatt battery energy storage system also enhances the hybrid solution by providing immediate output during rapid changes in cloud cover, while also allowing the gas generators to operate at higher and more efficient loads.
MinRes General Manager Energy Operations and Development Rowan Hill described the Ken’s Bore power solution as the company’s first self-built gas pipeline and power station.
“Combined with the battery energy system and solar array, this facility operates with 30% lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions than an equivalent diesel installation,” Hill explained.
“With the ability to expand the gas generation, solar array and energy storage, this facility is future-proofed to enable further GHG emissions reduction and to support complete mine electrification.
“I’m extremely proud of our Energy and Engineering and Construction teams for successfully delivering this complex project.”
Manager Energy Engineering and Projects James Ross reflected on the team’s collaborative approach.
“The Ken’s Bore gas pipeline, power station and solar farm were delivered with a small project team working closely with MinRes’ Engineering and Construction division,” he said.
“Our execution methodology has enabled the cost-effective delivery of power to the station as part of the Onslow Iron project.
“In the design of gas and renewable power generation, we’ve delivered a facility capable of expansion for future mining needs and the implementation of decarbonisation initiatives.”
Onslow Iron harnesses MinRes innovation and technology to unlock stranded deposits in the West Pilbara region. In May 2024, the project delivered first ore on ship ahead of schedule and has since been steadily increasing production volumes towards nameplate capacity of 35 million tonnes per year.
The MinRes Energy team continues to focus on reducing emissions across its operations while providing clean energy critical to the sustainability of both the industry and the wider community.
Learn more about the MinRes Energy team.
