Editor's letter

The mining sector’s transition to renewable energy faces several structural and operational hurdles. Yet with its abundance of sun and wind resources, Australia is well positioned to lead the way.  

At the St Ives mine in Western Australia (WA), Gold Fields is implementing its largest renewables project to date, aiming to generate 73% of the mine’s electricity from wind and solar energy by 2026. We ask whether this project could be a blueprint for future decarbonisation efforts.

We also delve deeper into Australia’s progress with mine site electrification and explore the country’s ambition to bolster its green metals industry. Plus, we look at the energy-intensive crushing and grinding process and how AI is supporting more sustainable operations.  

Elsewhere, we examine how WA is looking to enhance its capabilities in automation and robotics with a new government-funded test facility. 

We also speak to Geoscience Australia about a project to map the nation’s critical mineral resources.

Caroline Peachey, editor