Wiluna Mining has extended its existing power contract with Contract Power Group for the Wiluna gold operation in Western Australia, now pairing the two companies through 2031.

The extension, Wiluna said, has been negotiated to meet its needs for the future of its Stage 1 Sulphide Project, providing a total of 14.1 megawatts to its power station.

It also reconfigures the power station to boost its gas generation as well as reduce its use of diesel with the addition of a 2-MW battery storage unit, helping Wiluna to operate with greater efficiency.

Officials for the company also pointed out that the changes would reduce its overall operating power charges.

Finally, the new agreement gives the mine a “solid base” for a mixed-renewables power station in the future. At current, the operator is looking at that potential within its Stage 2 development plan to begin in 2023.

Executive chair Milan Jerkovic said the company’s efforts for operational energy efficiency and renewable sources of power is in line with the industry’s initiatives globally in this area.

“There will also be a longer-term preference for the development of mines with lower emission intensities for greenhouse gases,” Jerkovic said.” Wiluna Mining plans are consistent with these trends.”

Source: Wiluna Mining