Gold Fields Australia’s Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project with EDL has been nominated for this year’s Golden Gecko Award while AngloGold Ashanti Australia and Barminco’s Dandjoo Darbalung Program with St Catherine's College, IGO and Sandfire Resources is in the running for the Community Partnership Resources Sector Award.
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety’s annual Resources Sector Awards for Excellence shortlists projects that span across Western Australia and demonstrate the resources sector's commitment to striving for excellence in environmental outcomes and community partnerships.
WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston said these awards recognise and advance the sector's innovation and technological capabilities ensuring Western Australia remains globally competitive and a leader in the resources sector.
"By sharing these projects, the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety is encouraging other resources companies to continually improve and be at the forefront in community and environmental outcomes,” said Minister Johnston.
Celebrating its 30th year, the prestigious Golden Gecko Award for Environmental Excellence has recognised more than 60 projects for demonstrating innovation, outstanding performance and positive environmental outcomes for WA.
The Agnew Hybrid Renewable Project is Australia’s largest hybrid renewable microgrid and the first in the country to use large-scale wind generation at a mine. It is one of the first gold mines in the world to generate over half of its energy requirements from renewable sources.
“We are proud to be able to showcase this project with EDL as an outstanding example of the capacity of the hybrid renewable energy model to meet the dynamic power requirements of remote mining operations,“ said Gold Fields Executive Vice President Australasia Stuart Mathews.
Established in 2012, the Dandjoo Darbalung Program is a high-calibre wrap-around residential program designed for Aboriginal students to succeed, graduating with a tertiary level qualification across all five universities in Western Australia.
Gold Industry Group Director and AngloGold Ashanti Australia Vice President Corporate Affairs, Community and Human Resources Andrea Maxey said the partnership agreement reflects the power of collaboration in our industry – we can achieve a lot when we work together.
“This vital program can deliver life-changing outcomes and also complements the work we are doing with schools and academies in the Goldfields,” said Ms Maxey.
The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony in September 2021.
For more information, visit: http://www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/excellenceawards