The Dugald River Mine is one of the top 10 zinc mines globally, with forecast ore processing capacity averaging approximately 1.7 million tonnes per annum.

At full production ramp-up, the operation is expected to produce approximately 170,000 tonnes of zinc concentrate annually, together with additional by-products.

The mine is expected to operate for approximately 25 years, subject to continued availability of the ore body.

Located approximately 85 kilometres north-east of Mt Isa and 64 kilometres north-west of Cloncurry in north-west Queensland, the mine required dedicated transmission infrastructure to connect to the electricity network.

Power supply to the site is provided via an onsite 220/11kV substation, connected into Ergon Energy’s 220kV network originating from the Chumvale Substation, located approximately 11 kilometres west of Cloncurry and approximately 65 kilometres south of the mine site.

The power easement extended through an 80-metre-wide corridor traversing three private landholder properties and two native title areas, adding complexity to project delivery.

Genus, in partnership with Zinfra Group, successfully delivered the transmission infrastructure connecting the mine into the network.

The project involved construction of approximately 63–64 kilometres of 220kV transmission line between Chumvale Substation and the MMG Dugald River Mine site substation.

Delivery was undertaken in a remote environment requiring specialised construction methods and logistics.

The project included assembly and erection of 182 transmission poles, each weighing approximately 9 tonnes.

Due to the challenging terrain, large cranes were deployed to install poles within the required 24-hour installation windows.

Helicopters were also utilised to support stringing activities.