The $A140 million gas project, including a new 292km gas pipeline, is set to dramatically improve the energy supply and development potential of the Eastern Goldfields and will create hundreds of construction jobs in the process.
 
Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion joined mining and gas company executives at Fremantle’s North Quay recently to watch the shipment come in.
 
More than 16,500 of the 18m lengths of pipe will be required for the full development.
 
 
 
“This is great news for Goldfields energy and employment – with up to 300 people working on the pipeline construction this year,” Marmion said.
 
 
 
“It is expected to be finished by December, boosting existing mining operations through potentially cheaper energy and greatly reduced truck numbers on access roads.”
 
 
 
The Eastern Goldfields Gas Pipeline will extend from the current Murrin Murrin/Yarraloola terminus to AngloGold Ashanti’s Sunrise Dam and Tropicana gold mines.
 
 
 
“Unlike the more volatile diesel market, gas gives mining companies energy price certainty,” Marmion said.
 
 
 
The pipeline should also support and promote more development along the route including the East Tropicana gold deposits.
 
 
 
Baseline flora and fauna, heritage and archaeological surveys have been conducted along the route.
 
The pipeline is being developed by APA Group and will extend the Goldfields gas system to almost 1800km.