Bellevue Gold has set our intent of net zero emissions by 2026. The 2030 and 2050 targets are irrelevant to us. Companies setting net zero targets by 2050 is welcomed, but this is not overly ambitious as this is merely complying with Government targets for net zero by 2050. Darren Stralow, CEO, Bellevue Gold
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EO of Bellevue Gold, Darren Stralow is leading’s his companies ambitious net-zero by 2026 target. Bellevue plans to achieve this with a world class off-grid power station capable of an annual renewable energy penetration of ~80% Energy and Mines: How is the focus on climate change and ESG driving energy and mobility decisions for mining operations? Darren Stralow: Bellevue Gold has an ambitious goal of net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2026 for our Bellevue Gold Project. We believe this is truly world leading. Therefore, we have ensured that climate change and ESG are key considerations in all of our decisions, and we will have one of the highest, if the not the highest, renewable energy penetration rates for our power station of any global off-grid gold mine. Bellevue Gold will be a remote gold mine in the Western Australian Goldfields, and we will be partnering with an Independent Power Provider (IPP) to build, own and operate an off-grid power station. This will include wind, solar and batteries whilst being underpinned by a thermal power station (such as gas and/or diesel).
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Given our self-imposed net zero target, all GHG emission tonnes will need to be accounted for at some stage – such as increased renewable energy, alternate fuels or carbon offsets – therefore we are evaluating where we should be making wise investment decisions now to avoid/ reduce GHG emissions from our mine, to mitigate the need for carbon offsets later. Energy and Mines: How is the drive to decarbonise shifting the thinking and approach to renewable energy for mining? DS: Theoretically, if Bellevue Gold would have used a 100% gas-fired power station then 73% of the mine’s emissions would come from the power station – therefore, we must address this source of emissions, through implementation of high renewable energy capacity with wind and solar to decrease the use of gas or diesel. A longer mine life will allow for more renewable energy which should result in lower energy costs and decreased exposure to volatile diesel prices. The drive to decarbonise is allowing Bellevue Gold to fulfill our net zero goals, lower costs, increase energy security and attract talent. People want to work at companies that do good and in a ENERGY AND MINES MAGAZINE
