Rio Tinto has energised a brand new 25 MW photo voltaic plant at its Kennecott copper operations in Utah, USA, showcasing, it says, a round critical-minerals provide chain by which tellurium produced on the web site is used to fabricate the panels now powering it.
Along with the 5 MW photo voltaic plant accomplished in 2023, Kennecott now has 30 MW of photo voltaic capability – sufficient to cut back Kennecott’s Scope 2 emissions by about 6% (20,000 tonnes CO₂e). That is equal to eradicating 4,400 vehicles from the highway every year.
Building of the 25 MW plant started in October 2024 in partnership with Bechtel, was accomplished and commissioned on time in October final 12 months, and energised in December. The brand new photo voltaic array contains over 71,000 panels, containing tellurium produced at Kennecott, a important mineral for photo voltaic know-how.
Kennecott started producing tellurium in 2022 as a by-product of copper refining, making it considered one of solely two US producers of this important mineral. Tellurium from Kennecott is transformed into thin-film semiconductor supplies by 5N Plus Inc in Canada after which provided primarily to First Photo voltaic for the manufacturing of the photovoltaic panels now put in at Kennecott, maintaining all the tellurium provide chain in North America.
Nate Foster, Managing Director of Rio Tinto Kennecott, mentioned: “This new photo voltaic plant is greater than a supply of renewable energy for our operations; it’s an indication of circularity and provide chain resilience. By mining copper and tellurium, each categorized as important minerals within the US, right here at Kennecott and utilizing that tellurium within the panels powering our web site, we’re proving how home important minerals assist renewable power manufacturing. This strategy strengthens North America’s provide chain for important sources, helps nationwide power safety and reinforces our dedication to a low-carbon future.”
Scott Austin, Basic Supervisor of Renewables & Clear Energy at Bechtel, mentioned: “Working intently with Rio Tinto, Bechtel is proud to have delivered this undertaking two months forward of schedule whereas supporting 200 native jobs, serving to convey renewable power to the mine.”
Gervais Jacques, Chief Government Officer of 5N Plus, mentioned: “Our partnership with Rio Tinto helps ship industry-leading merchandise that assist the clear power transition and advance nationwide power safety. At a time when the safety of important minerals provide chains is beneath intense scrutiny, we’re happy to bolster our place as a trusted associate to ship the superior supplies this important and rising sector depends upon.”
