The Chamber of Minerals and Energy (CME) welcomes the opening of the Eastern Goldfields Pipeline (EGP).
The 293km pipeline was constructed by APA Group under a long-term agreement with AngloGold Ashanti Australia Ltd (AGAA) to deliver natural gas to the Sunrise Dam gold mine, 55km south of Laverton, and to the Tropicana gold mine, a joint venture between AGAA and Independence Group NL, 330km east-northeast of Kalgoorlie.
CME Chief Executive Reg Howard-Smith said the opening of the $140 million pipeline by Mines and Petroleum Minister, the Hon. Bill Marmion would underpin the future of the Yilgarn mining province in Western Australia.
“This represents a significant milestone for AngloGold Ashanti’s Australian operations and for several other world-class deposits in the area,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“The delivery of additional infrastructure to isolated parts of the region will support the feasibility of projects which were previously considered to be unviable while securing a brighter future for many resources sector personnel.”
Mr Howard-Smith said the pipeline presented a great example of multiple stakeholders working together to deliver operational efficiencies and long-term sustainable cost reductions.
“Western Australia’s ongoing prosperity relies on innovative solutions which support efficiency and productivity improvements in a challenging commodities market,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“Access to a cleaner dependable fuel source is expected to reduce operational exposure to diesel price volatility, improve environmental outcomes and decrease substantial annual road maintenance costs.”
Mr Howard-Smith also praised those who worked together on the safe and successful delivery of the project.
“The expertise of a highly skilled planning and construction team, including the Department of Mines and Petroleum acting as the lead approvals agency, was fundamental to the early delivery of the EGP,” Mr Howard-Smith said.
“The combined expertise enabled the pipeline to be completed six weeks ahead of schedule, enabling an early commissioning of the first gas generators at both mine sites.”
