First Tin Plc, a UK based tin development company, is exploring a tin mining project within the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) in New South Wales (NSW), Australia to be powered by renewable energy, especially solar power to be used during daytime, estimated to cost it considerably less than grid or diesel power.

The Taronga Tin Project will be operated by First Tin’s fully owned Australian subsidiary Taronga Mines Pty Ltd (TMPL) with a forecast tin production of 3,000 to 4,000 tons per annum (TPA).

On site, the company will carry out mineral processing work including reducing the mass of material to around 46% after crushing and to around 26% after crushing, screening, jigs and spirals, before grinding.

First Tin says it will investigate the possibility of using solar power for much of its energy requirements during daylight hours. “Preliminary studies suggest solar power can be supplied for considerably less cost than grid or diesel power for the site,” it added.

It currently owns close to 25 km² of freehold land around the project which it says will be sufficient to develop significant renewable energy projects.

First Tin has hired Australia based renewable energy advisory firm Bid Energy Partners to carry out a feasibility study into the project which it acquired in 2022. Latter will also consider strategic partners to build a renewable energy park at the site which can feed excess power into the grid.

According to the company’s assessment, the area has a high solar capacity of around 21%, and good wind speed of an average 7.8m/s at a height of 150m, with a capacity factor of around 40%.

“First Tin is very pleased that we have been able to partner with a well-respected renewable energy company at our Taronga tin project. The first phase of this workstream will deliver a series of alternatives for First Tin to consider as its ultimate power solution,” said First Tin CEO Thomas Buenger.

It says the Taronga project is supported by an AUD 500,000 grant from the NSW’s AUD 130 million Critical Minerals and High Tech Metals Activation Fund. Through this, the government is positioning the state as a major global supplier and processor of critical minerals and high-tech metals.

Mining companies in Australia are increasingly looking at solar power as a means to secure clean energy at a cost competitive rate that not only keeps their carbon emissions in check but also provides reduces its expenses otherwise incurred on securing grid/diesel generated power in remote locations (see Rio Tinto To Invest $600 Million In Pilbara For Renewables).