Rio Tinto Announces Construction of Two New Solar Farms at Gove Peninsula

Rio Tinto, a global mining company, has announced the construction of two new 5.25MW solar farms on Gumatj and Rirratjingu country in Australia’s Northern Territory. These solar farms are part of Rio Tinto’s transition to more sustainable power sources as it prepares to decommission mines in the region by the end of the decade.

The Gove site, operated by Rio Tinto for over 40 years, has been a key supplier of bauxite to the global aluminium industry. The bauxite from Gove is used in refineries in Queensland and for Rio Tinto’s aluminium smelting operations.

The construction of the solar farms is a collaborative effort between Rio Tinto, the Northern Territory Government, and Traditional Owner Groups. Aggreko will be responsible for constructing, owning, and operating the solar farms for up to 10 years. The farms are expected to have a combined capacity of 10.5MW and will help underpin a low-carbon future for the surrounding community.

Shannon Price, Acting General Manager of Rio Tinto Gove Operations, expressed excitement about the project, stating that it aligns with the company’s vision to leave a positive legacy for the Gove Peninsula communities. The solar farms are also part of Rio Tinto’s commitment to decarbonize its business and reduce CO2 emissions.

Once operational, the solar farms are expected to reduce the region’s annual diesel consumption by 20% and lower carbon emissions by over 12,000 tonnes annually. This reduction is equivalent to taking 2,800 internal combustion engine cars off the road. The project is a significant step towards sustainable power generation in the region beyond mining activities.

Overall, the construction of these solar farms represents a proactive approach by Rio Tinto to embrace renewable energy sources and support the transition to a more sustainable future for the Gove Peninsula communities.