Achieving our net zero target by 2050 will require a combination of collaboration, innovation, investment, and regulatory support. Continued advancements in battery technology and charging solutions will be critical to making fleet electrification a practical reality. Collaboration with OEMs and technology providers will accelerate the development of commercially viable low-carbon solutions tailored to mining operations. Supportive government policies, incentives, and infrastructure development - such as renewable energy expansion and support to incentivise the production and use of renewable diesel at scale — will play a vital role in enabling the transition.
why the development of common-use transmission infrastructure is so central to the Pilbara Energy Transition Plan. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond?
of Australia’s high renewable energy fraction hybrid power solutions in the past five years that combine solar PV, wind, and battery storage with traditional generation. Our aim is to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while providing reliable, cost-effective power solutions that will enable miners to achieve net- zero targets. Additionally, we prioritise strategic partnerships with mining companies, technology providers, and First Nations communities to ensure that our solutions deliver sustainable benefits. E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition? Long duration and seasonal energy storage: Achieving net zero and eliminating use of fossil fuels will require long duration and seasonal storage. Renewable fuels - bio or synthetic gas - are options we’re pursuing in addition to emerging BESS technologies. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond? • Collaboration: Partnerships between mining companies, energy providers, and technology innovators will accelerate the integration of net zero solutions. • Policy & Incentives: Correct policy setting will drive investment in renewable projects and accelerate mining decarbonisation, e.g., correcting the lunacy of providing diesel fuel tax rebates but not for the alternative renewable fuels. • Commercial Demonstration of emerging energy storage systems will catalyse achievement of net zero. • Flexible and Scalable Solutions: Modular, relocatable solutions will help miners transition, provide cost savings, and mitigate stranded asset risks for IPPs At Zenith Energy, we are leading the way for The Decarbonised Mine, and remain committed to ensuring that renewable energy integration is technically, commercially, and operationally sustainable for our mining clients.
Q&A WITH BRETT BEADY, PARTNER, MD AUSTRALIA, RESOURCE CAPITAL FUNDS
New, enhanced common-use transmission infrastructure alongside a reformed, fit-for-
E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?
purpose regulatory framework. New transmission infrastructure will connect supply to demand, and a well-designed regulatory system will facilitate investment in the network, ensure fair access and competitive pricing for all users, regardless of the size of their operations or their specific energy requirements. By delivering these priorities together, we can enable industrial operations across the Pilbara to decarbonise and meet their emissions targets.
Having the right information to make informed decisions is important before investing time and capital in carbon emission reduction opportunities. Insights into where emissions are being generated at a project is key to optimising the capital intensity of emission reduction initiatives.
Q&A WITH TIM BRAY, ASSISTANT COORDINATOR, ENERGY POLICY WA
E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?
Q&A WITH ROB CARRUTHERS, PRINCIPAL, CSA LTD
Momentum has certainly dropped off for various reasons, but there is little doubt about what needs to occur in the coming decades. Keeping investors, management and government focused on long term thinking rather than reacting to the moment has always been a challenge to achieving positive long term outcomes. E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond? Technology will have a huge impact on emissions reduction. We shouldn’t underestimate the ability of new products and practices to reduce emissions. It’s easy to assume things can’t be done with today’s technology, but the acceleration of technological change will be the difference.
E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?
Our priority is ensuring the Pilbara has a sustainable, cost-competitive, and reliable energy supply so that mining, mineral processing, and heavy manufacturing operations in the region can decarbonise. These industries are already doing the right thing and replacing processes that have traditionally relied on fossil fuels with electricity-driven technologies. We have to make sure the electricity powering these new technologies is low emissions, dependable, and affordable. Getting this right will have a significant economic upside. Affordable and reliable renewable energy won’t just support the expansion of existing industries in the region - it will also create new opportunities for emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and sustainable steel production.
E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?
Seizing the opportunity to double down on the significant progress driven by mining companies of late and, in turn, realise the tremendous opportunities to maximise value for stakeholders (including surrounding communities and Traditional Owners). E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition? Transmission networks not keeping pace with the penetration of renewable and storage. Off grid solutions can, and are, working - particularly for remote mine sites - but more proactive planning and less red tape is required to open up future opportunities (and avoid inefficient future retrofit solutions).
E&M: What are the biggest challenges at this stage of mining’s low-carbon transition?
Q&A WITH DOMINIC DACRUZ, EXECUTIVE - ESG AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, ZENITH ENERGY
The biggest challenge is scaling up infrastructure to connect the supply of renewable energy to sites of industrial demand. The Pilbara has an abundance of world class wind and solar resources, but mining, mineral processing, and heavy manufacturing operations require massive amounts of energy. Covering over half a million square kilometres, the region needs new transmission infrastructure to deliver cost-effective, reliable renewable power from wind and solar farms to where it’s needed most. That’s
E&M: What would help miners meet their 2030 targets and beyond?
E&M: What is your particular focus when it comes to decarbonising mining?
Harmonise regulation to support a whole-of-economy transition, and in so doing strike a balance between rewarding early adopters whilst not penalising hard- to-abate sectors (ie on a longer transition curve).
Zenith Energy’s focus is integrating renewable energy into the system that powers a mining operation - both greenfield and brownfield retrofits. Indeed, Zenith Energy has contracted and constructed most
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