Case studies: Australia

Sunrise Dam receives recognition for wind power initiative

Sunrise Dam’s wind power system, developed and introduced in 2006 to power borehole pumps, and to supplement the solar energy pump system to recover groundwater from the perimeter of the tailings storage facility (TSF) (See case study in the Report to Society 2006: Sunrise Dam invests in wind power), in September 2007 became the recipient of a Certificate of Merit award in the Golden Gecko Bronze Merit system, one of the highest environmental accolades in the Western Australian resources industry.

The annual Golden Gecko Awards, initiated by the Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR), recognise environmental excellence and leadership, and acknowledge the outstanding contribution that the recipients have made to balance environmental responsibility with the successful development of Western Australia's resource industry. In evaluating the company submissions, the following criteria were used by the panel of adjudicators:

• The nature of the challenge
• A commitment to environmental excellence
• Demonstrated excellent environmental outcomes
• Community engagement
• Features that make it special

Commenting on Sunrise Dam’s drive to exploit renewable energy at its operation, Health, Safety, Environment and Community Manager for AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Mike LeRoy, indicated that this was a successful example of harnessing renewable energy. The wind turbine water pumping system, developed in conjunction with Westwind Turbines, was recognised as an innovative approach to water table management.

The custom designed control system is the first of its kind, and its potential for broader application in industries which require a renewable and clean power source is vast, as it delivers an economic solution to remote site water pumping in areas with adequate wind resources.