One of the world’s largest open-pit copper mines is embracing clean energy for its operations, with the second phase of a solar facility to reduce carbon emissions.
Rio Tinto has selected Bechtel to lead the design and construction of the Copperton Phase 2 solar project, which will support operations of the Kennecott mine in Utah, in the United States.
The project marks Bechtel’s first collaboration with Rio Tinto in the renewable energy sector, and reinforces Rio Tinto’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The Copperton Phase 2 Solar project underlines both companies’ dedication to sustainable practices and the advancement of clean energy solutions in mining.
Scott Austin, Bechtel’s general manager of renewables and clean power, said: “We are pleased to build on our longstanding partnership with Rio Tinto by expanding into clean energy. This project demonstrates climate commitments in action, and we look forward to working together on this innovative renewable power solution.”
When completed in late 2025, the Copperton Phase 2 Solar project will span 210 acres and generate 25 MW of power from 71,000 highly efficient bifacial solar modules. Such modules enable both sides of the panels to absorb sunlight.
Additionally, Bechtel will leverage its proprietary digital delivery methods to design, construct, and commission the facility, incorporating autonomous technologies to optimize project delivery. At peak, 100 local construction jobs are expected to be created on the project.
Nate Foster, Rio Tinto Kennecott’s managing director, said: “Expanding our solar farm is the latest step in our journey to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Together with other measures we’ve taken, such as closing a coal-fired power plant, deploying battery electric vehicles underground, and our recent transition to renewable diesel, we have reduced our emissions by millions of tonnes over the past few years.
“We’re demonstrating every day that sustainable practices and resource production can go hand-in-hand to benefit our company as well as our community.”
The new solar plant will be located next to Kennecott’s existing 5MW solar plant. Together, the two will reduce Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by approximately 6%, or 21,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent every year. This is equivalent to removing around 5,000 fossil fuel-powered cars from the road.
Image credit: Tung Lam from Pixabay
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