Anglo Gold Ashanti Australia

Solar Thermal Power Station for the Tropicana Gold Project

AngloGold Ashanti is developing the Tropicana Gold Project, a new mining operation located approximately 330km North East of Kalgoorlie.  The site is isolated from the grid, the natural gas pipelines, and all other energy infrastructure.  The conventional and well-proven way to provide reliable electricity for such an application would be the use of diesel-fired gensets.

Alternative energy sources were investigated. The most suitable renewable generation technology is concentrating solar thermal using a power tower configuration, with molten salt as an energy storage medium.  This solution could potentially provide power on demand, 24 hours per day, for the entire site.
HAC worked with AngloGold Ashanti and their project partners to develop a grant application for the Australian Government's Renewable Energy Demonstration Program.

The application of solar thermal technology to mineral processing could trigger a step change in Australia's mining industry. The mine site would be partially insulated from oil price volatility, improving the long-term economic viability of the site.  Greenhouse gas emissions would be substantially reduced, and a source of abundant low-cost electricity would enable the processing of lower-grade ores, thus improving the lifetime and profitability of the site.