Australia Approves 644 MW Solar Farm to Power Mining Site

A mining company in Western Australia is building one of the country's biggest solar farms to completely eliminate fossil fuels from its operations.

Fortescue Metals received federal environmental approval for its massive 644 MW Turner River Solar Farm, located about 120 kilometers south of Port Hedland in the Pilbara region. The project will cover 1,400 hectares and help power the company's iron ore mining operations with clean energy.

The approval comes with environmental protections built in. Fortescue must pay at least $3.39 million to protect habitats for the Greater Bilby and Northern Quoll, two native species that live in the area. Limits on land clearing ensure the project minimizes its environmental footprint.

This solar farm is part of Fortescue's ambitious goal to reach "real zero" emissions by 2030. That means no diesel generators, no gas burning, and no fossil fuels powering their mines, trucks, or machinery. The company is replacing everything with renewable energy.

The Turner River project will connect to Fortescue's existing Pilbara Energy Connect network through new transmission lines and substations. When complete, it will be Western Australia's largest solar installation and the second biggest in Australia, trailing only a 720 MW project in New South Wales.

The Ripple Effect

Fortescue is already proving this transition works. Their 100 MW North Star Junction solar farm currently supplies over 25% of energy needs at the Iron Bridge mine site. Another 190 MW solar farm at Cloudbreak is under construction and expected to start operating in 2027.

The company's strategy includes building multiple solar and wind farms across their operations, creating an integrated renewable energy network. This approach shows other resource companies worldwide that heavy industry can run on clean power without sacrificing productivity.

Western Australia's mining sector has long relied on diesel and gas for remote operations. Fortescue's successful transition could inspire similar shifts across the industry, reducing emissions from one of the country's biggest economic sectors while maintaining thousands of jobs.

The project received both state and federal environmental approval, clearing the final regulatory hurdles for construction. When the Turner River Solar Farm comes online, it will generate enough clean electricity to power the equivalent of over 100,000 homes while supporting mining operations that employ thousands of Australians.

One of the world's largest mining companies is proving that going green doesn't mean slowing down.