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Mining giant connects to Pilbara power supply

A major milestone for the State’s regional energy provider and a WA mining giant has been reached, with Roy Hill’s Port Hedland operations connecting to a new source of power.

The successful connection of Roy Hill to Horizon Power’s North West Interconnected System (NWIS) – the electricity network that covers the Pilbara – comes after two years of consultations, designing and building specialist infrastructure and equipment, and comprehensive testing.

The project began in 2016 and required the underground installation of two 33 kilovolt feeder lines, both five kilometres long, between Horizon Power’s South West Creek Substation and Roy Hill’s main switchboard at the port in Port Hedland.

Horizon Power’s Managing Director Frank Tudor, said reaching this milestone was cause for celebration by both parties.

“We are pleased to be providing power for Roy Hill’s iron ore mining, rail and port operations in Port Hedland,” Mr Tudor said.

“The connection of Roy Hill to our Pilbara network, and the partnership we have embarked on together, represents strong investment in the Pilbara that West Australians can place their confidence in.”

Roy Hill’s CEO Barry Fitzgerald, echoed Mr Tudor’s sentiments.

“Roy Hill is pleased to partner with Horizon Power to help execute the long-term, safe, sustainable delivery of our 55 million tonne per annum iron ore export operations in Port Hedland,” Mr Fitzgerald said.

The 15 year Power Purchase Agreement between Horizon Power and Roy Hill officially commenced in April 2018.

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