New Century Resources Ltd (ASX:NCZ) has delivered strong production results from its Century Mine in Queensland, with a record 12,109 tonnes of zinc metal produced at an average monthly recovery of 51% in July, its best performance since the restart of operations.
Strong production has continued into August, with a monthly unreconciled total of 11,768 tonnes produced at 50% recovery, which will help the company deliver a solid September quarterly production and operational cashflow performance.
Reducing carbon footprint
New Century has also signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with APA Group (ASX:APA) for the supply of up to 8 megawatts (MW) of renewable solar power to the Century Mine from the 88MW Mica Creek Solar Farm, being constructed in Queensland and expected to be operational by late 2023.
The MOU is an important step in New Century’s ongoing commitment to improved its ESG performance and has the potential to reduce its Mount Isa carbon emissions from power generation by up to 10%.
Both will also explore other new renewable generation opportunities in the region with the aim of further reducing carbon emissions and providing long-term clean energy supplies with price certainty.
The terms of the MOU also require New Century to amend its existing Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to include the new energy product by September 30, 2022, or by a later date to be agreed by both parties.
Milestone event
New Century managing director Patrick Walta said: “We are delighted to be working with the APA Group on identifying opportunities to reduce the carbon intensity of the Century Mine and of the broader North West Minerals Province (NWMP).
“In 2021, New Century set out an ambition for transparently reporting on our ESG performance through our Sustainability Report and for improving the way our operations interact with the environment and with society.
"The MOU with the APA Group represents a milestone in our efforts to address the carbon intensity of our Century operations and to reducing operational costs at Century through cooperative endeavours with our suppliers.”
Helping companies decarbonise
APA Group executive, Strategy and Commercial, Darren Rogers said: “APA is pleased to be working with New Century as a valued customer on this MOU and on identifying opportunities for new renewable energy solutions to its operations in North West Queensland.
"As we continue to investigate and develop new renewable projects in the region, we will work with New Century and other resource sector operators in the region, to supply renewable energy solutions for the sector, and contribute to reducing the carbon intensity of the industry.
“This MOU supports APA’s vision to expand our renewables portfolio in the region and help our customers reduce their emissions as they – like APA – seek to decarbonise their operations.
"Once the PPA amendment is agreed and signed, APA will have three major customers supporting the 88-megawatt Mica Creek Solar Farm, demonstrating the enthusiasm of customers in the region for integrated energy solutions that can both meet their energy needs and help reduce their operational emissions.”