Green Mining, Green Iron, Green Shipping, and Community Support — the Andrew Forest Report

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Last Updated on: 12th April 2025, 12:29 am

Andrew Forrest has scoffed at “net zero” and challenged the mining industry and maritime shipping to go for “real zero.” To this end, he has purchased battery electric mining equipment — we wrote about it here. Now, the big news is that he is expanding his renewable energy resources to power that equipment. By the end 2030 (5 years away) Fortescue aims to have 100% of its electricity demand met by renewables — “real zero.” Two to three GWh of energy generation will be needed to do this — consisting of wind, solar, and battery storage. Fortescue’s Pilbara mining operations use millions of litres of diesel per year.

Fortescue Metals’ latest move is to propose a 644 MW solar power plant at Turner River to augment its existing renewable energy ecosystem in the Pilbara, West Australia. The ecosystem will consist of solar panels, wind turbines, and batteries all connected by a 750 km transmission network, the Pilbara Energy Connect (PEC) transmission system. This will aid Fortescue’s ambition to run its iron ore operations on “real zero” emissions. The Environmental Protection Agency is yet to approve the project.

The Western Australian state government is encouraging the decarbonisation of mining in the Pilbara and wants to transform the area “into a renewable powerhouse and future-proof our economy, communities, and environment.” It is supporting Fortescue in its endeavours.

The Pilbara is acknowledged as a major global hub for mineral and energy resources. In the process, it produces 40% of the state’s emissions, and currently uses only 2% renewable energy. By contributing nearly 20% of Western Australia’s total economic output, it drives the state’s economy. “Additionally, the Pilbara is renowned for its environmental and cultural significance, boasting one of the largest and most diverse collections of rock art worldwide.” The government believes that by reducing emissions, it will future proof the Western Australia (WA) mining industry. As such, its policies will dovetail with those of Fortescue Metals. You can read more about WA’s plans here. A helpful map is included.

The first stage of the PEC was completed last year — a 100 MW solar farm at North Star, 145 km south of Port Headland. The farm consists of 196,188 solar panels which tilt to follow the sun for maximum generation. Construction on the next project — the Cloudbreak Solar Farm — was due to start last month. The North Star and Turner River solar farms will help to decarbonise the Iron Bridge magnetite mine 25 km away. Fortescue’s solar farms are expected to have a lifespan of at least 25 years.

Twiggy Forest still hasn’t given up on green hydrogen to produce green iron. Just a few months ago, he took hold of the shovel again for a groundbreaking ceremony at the Christmas Creek Green Energy Hub. With production to begin this year, the project is expected to produce 1,500 tonnes per annum of green iron metal. Green hydrogen will be supplied by Fortescue’s gaseous and liquid hydrogen facility. High-purity green metal will be produced in an electric smelting furnace. The Green Energy Hub is also home to Fortescue’s battery electric haul truck and a three-megawatt fast charger prototype.

At the ceremony, Dr Forest said: “Today is a celebration of innovation, collaboration and stretch targets, and marks a pivotal moment in Fortescue’s journey to build a green metal supply chain.Iron and steel are the backbone of our infrastructure, however traditional iron and steel production processes are among the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions. By rethinking the entire iron and steel value chain we can produce an entirely new, green industry here in Australia.

“Today’s milestone is the culmination of bringing together green sustainable mining, large-scale renewable power and green hydrogen to produce green metal. Right now, we have a once in a generation opportunity to build a green supply chain, and Fortescue is wasting no time to seize it.”

Fortescue’s green hydrogen plant produces 530 kg of hydrogen per day. It is powered partly by solar during the day. The hydrogen is currently used to refuel a fleet of 10 fuel cell powered coaches. The hydrogen refuelling station was supported by a AU$2 million grant from the WA government.

The Western Australian government sees hydrogen as an important part of the energy mix at remote mine sites.

In breaking news, the 75 m Fortescue Green Pioneer, powered by ammonia, has arrived in London from Singapore, giving a nudge to international shipping at a key time — it’s time to transition to greener fuels. The arrival was timed to coincide with the King’s Sustainable Markets Initiative 5th Anniversary.

“Leading CEOs and VIP guests attending the Terra Carta Roundtable & Exhibition joined Fortescue Executive Chairman and Founder Andrew Forrest for a tour of the vessel.” The vessel demonstrated the use of ammonia in its converted engines. The UN International Maritime Organisation’s Safety Committee approval in December 2024 of interim guidelines for the use of ammonia fuel onboard vessels marked an important step towards ammonia becoming a viable fuel for shipping.

The UN International Maritime Organisation is considering a global shipping carbon levy.

Stop the presses! As I wrote that last line, news just in from al Jazeera: “A majority of countries at the IMO voted on Friday to approve a scheme that from 2028 will charge ships a penalty of $380 per metric tonne on every extra tonne of CO2-equivalent they emit above a fixed emissions threshold, plus a penalty of $100 a tonne on emissions above a stricter emissions limit.”

This is a step on the path to shipping’s complete decarbonisation by 2050. Of course, Trump is not happy. Dr Forest is advocating for the bypassing of transitional fuels such as LNG and biofuels. Green ammonia is seen by many as the long-term solution. The Fortescue Green Pioneer is on a world tour to make that point. “This will not only deliver a better future for the planet but accelerate a reduction in shipping costs through the widespread adoption and scaling of renewable energy,” Dr Forest says.

In the meantime, Fortescue continues to build community capital at home, recently launching the Hedland and Newman Safe Spaces programs. This initiative is designed to provide essential support and safety for at-risk children and young people. “The Safe Spaces Program is a collaborative initiative led by the Pilbara Development Commission in partnership with Department of Communities and codesigned with locally based ACCOs Julyardi Aboriginal Corporation in Hedland and Kanyirninpa Jukurrpa Aboriginal Corporation in Newman to support vulnerable and at-risk children and young people.”

This critical program will be funded over the next 5 years in partnership with BHP to the tune of AU$22 million. The program will provide a temporary safe space and transport home for unsupervised and vulnerable children found on the streets at night.

“The Pilbara Safe Spaces Program is about more than just providing a safe place; it’s about creating real opportunities for young people to build a brighter future. Fortescue is committed to supporting initiatives that drive meaningful change and help create safer, stronger communities,” Warren Fish, Director Approvals, Communities and Environment, said. This program will facilitate culturally responsive services such as: life skills development, education, and employment pathways to create long-term positive change.

It looks like Fortescue is progressing on all fronts to preserve the Earth and be socially responsible. I hope more billionaire CEOs follow his example on the path to real zero.

The future of mining and shipping is bright, electric, and green.