Australian mining and exploration company Sandfire Resources has become a member of the Port Hedland Industries Council.
Sandfire joins Pilbara Minerals and Mineral Resources as the most recent companies to become members.
Sandfire is an international mining and exploration company founded in 2004 in Western Australia. With a strong operational base and a clear strategy to grow into an international, diversified and sustainable mining company, Sandfire is underpinned by a demonstrated commitment to the highest standards of safety, responsibility, and sustainability.
For the past 10 years, Sandfire’s business has centred on the DeGrussa operations in Western Australia, which Sandfire took from discovery to production in less than three years.
The strong cash-flows generated by DeGrussa have provided the company with a platform to grow and diversify internationally through the development of new long-life copper projects in Botswana, the USA and more recently the US$1,865 million acquisition of the world-class MATSA Mining Operations in South-Western Spain.
Sandfire was one of several companies, including PHIC members, that contributed to the ACIL Allen Consulting report, The Economic Significance of the Port of Port Hedland.
PHIC Chief Executive Officer Kirsty Danby welcomed Sandfire as the newest PHIC member.
She said PHIC was recognised as being at the forefront of supporting positive regulatory policies for mining operations and Sandfire was keen to be included in these discussions.
“With the increasing focus on ESG issues for all mining companies and their supply chains, PHIC is keen to have the involvement in a wide range of operators,” Kirsty said.
Sandfire is focused on continuing to build strong, lasting relationships with its stakeholders and deliver a lasting, positive contribution to the communities where they operate. They are committed to developing resources responsibly and driving innovation in its people and industry.
The company’s DeGrussa Solar Farm is one of the largest integrated off-grid solar and battery storage facility in Australia.
Built in 2016, the facility comprises 34,080 solar photo-voltaic panels and generates approximately 21GWh per annum for use by the DeGrussa and Monty Copper-Gold Mines, which provides 20 per cent of the total power requirements for DeGrussa.
The solar farm reduces Sandfire’s carbon emissions by 14,585 tonnes of carbon dioxide in FY2021 alone, and has provided a blueprint for the adoption of renewable energy at mine sites and remote communities around the world.
In 2019, Sandfire was awarded the coveted Golden Gecko by the WA Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety for Environmental Excellence in recognition of the Solar Farm.
The Golden Gecko recognises leading practice and innovation in environmental management and the Awards provide an opportunity to share experiences between industry, government and the community.