So what if they did go down the diesel GenSet route? I don't have an issue with that, certainly not for stage 1 in the short term.
Plenty of mines in Australia run that way and, besides, there would have to be an auxiliary power supply system installed anyway. There may be an HV supply relatively near, however, power companies often demand ridiculous (even obscene) up front and service costs to connect to the grid. Also, a 3-3.5MW is a relatively small commercial fish for the power companies and well within the realm of GenSet provision.
In the interests of expediency (and lower capital cost) I wouldn't be surprised to see Diesel power used initially for Stage 1 with an upgrade to grid power coming later when Stage 2 comes online..
BT
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