THE $140 million, 293 kilometre Eastern Goldfields Pipeline (EGP) is now officially in use, delivering cost benefits to existing and future projects in the region.

Constructed and 100 per cent owned by APA Group, the EGP extends the existing Goldfields Gas Transmission Pipeline almost 1800km to Anglo Gold Ashanti Australia’s Sunrise Dam gold mine (55km south of Laverton) and its joint venture Tropicana gold mine (330km east-northeast of Kalgoorlie).

Turning on the gas at the ceremonial event at Tropicana last Thursday, WA Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Marmion said the pipeline will help energise the eastern goldfields region.

“This is a game-changer for the area, with eight operational or proposed projects in line to benefit, potentially employing 3,000 people,” Mr Marmion said.

“While Sunrise Dam and Tropicana gold mines will reap the rewards of dependable, cleaner fuel, some of the state’s most exciting new gold, uranium and rare earths ventures are now within reach of the gas network.

“Not only did the pipeline support up to 330 jobs during construction, it will underpin even more jobs and opportunities in this rich and diverse mineral province.”

Joining the minister at the ceremony, APA managing director Mick McCormack paid tribute to the focus and commitment of all parties involved in bringing the project from concept to reality.

“As an engineering project the EGP is a great success story that exceeded all production and safety targets, an achievement we take pride in,” Mr McCormack said.

“It is also a shining example of what can be done when industry partners, a progressive government and supportive local authorities and communities collaborate so effectively.

“We are delighted to have delivered on our gas transportation commitments to AngloGold Ashanti which underpinned development of the EGP and construction links to Sunrise Dam and Tropicana mines.”

The government expects that replacing diesel and LNG for power generation by piping in natural gas at Sunrise Dam and Tropicana will slash fuel truck movements by 1,450 per year.