Overview
Dugald River stands out as one of the top 10 zinc mines globally, with an anticipated ore processing capacity averaging 1.7 million tonnes per annum. Initially, the mine aims to produce 170,000 tonnes of zinc in concentrate per annum at full ramp-up, along with various by-products. Operating plans foresee a span of approximately 25 years, subject to the continued depth availability of the ore body.
Situated around 85km northeast of Mt Isa and 64km northwest of Cloncurry in northwestern Queensland, the Dugald River mine site is owned by the Principal Dugald River, a division of MMG. The mine's power supply will link to a 220/11kV substation situated onsite and will draw electricity from Ergon Energy's 220kV network, originating from their Chumvale substation. The Chumvale substation sits approximately 11km west of Cloncurry and about 65km south of the Dugald River mine site. Notably, the power easement spans an 80-meter-wide corridor from Chumvale to the Dugald River Mine site, traversing three private landholder properties and two areas designated under native title.
Genus, in collaboration with the Zinfra Group, successfully completed the construction of a 220kV transmission line in the remote outback town of Cloncurry, Queensland, stretching over approximately 63 kilometers. Catering to the requirements of the end client, MMG, the project involved the assembly and erection of 182 power poles weighing 9 tonnes each. The challenging terrain necessitated the use of large cranes, facilitating the installation of the poles within the specified 24-hour timeframe. Additionally, helicopter assistance was enlisted to string the transmission line with three phases and an OPGW.