BHP and Yindjibarndi Energy Corporation (YEC) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore a region-wide renewable energy network to power the miner’s iron ore operations across Western Australia’s Pilbara.
Under the agreement, the two parties will collaborate on scalable power generation, transmission lines, and electricity infrastructure.
If viable, the clean energy solutions will help decarbonise BHP’s Western Australia Iron Ore mining, heavy rail, and port operations in Port Hedland.
Formed in 2023, YEC is a multi-billion-dollar joint venture between the Yindjibarndi Aboriginal Corporation and international green energy developer ACEN Corporation.
It stands as one of Australia’s largest Indigenous-led renewable energy companies, managing a massive 3-gigawatt development pipeline across 13,000 square kilometres of Yindjibarndi Ngurra (Country).
YEC CEO Craig Ricato said the collaboration highlights the corporation’s growing capability to support highly complex, large-scale industrial networks.
“As an Indigenous-led energy developer, our role is to bring together Country, capability and capital to support long-term regional decarbonisation and electrification,” Ricato said.
“We will continue to work collaboratively with Traditional Owner groups across the Pilbara to help ensure these opportunities deliver shared, enduring economic and social benefits for Indigenous communities.”
The deal comes at a crucial time for BHP, whose operational emissions-reduction strategies have faced intense public scrutiny. Leaked documents revealed that the mining giant had shelved its green energy projects.
BHP Vice President of Operational Decarbonisation Daniel Heal said partnerships with Traditional Owners are vital to unlocking the next phase of the region’s energy transition.
“Working with YEC allows us to explore practical, on-the-ground solutions that bring together energy capability, local knowledge and a shared commitment to long-term outcomes for the region,” Heal said.
The announcement follows a landmark 30-year power purchase agreement signed earlier this month between YEC and rival miner Rio Tinto for the Jinbi solar project, solidifying the Indigenous-led corporation’s position as a major independent power producer in the state’s resource-rich north.
