Global gold producer Gold Fields’ St Ives Mine in Western Australia is undergoing one of the most significant renewable energy transformations in the state.
Currently under construction, the 77MW St Ives Renewables Project features a wind and solar farm and is set to become a flagship example of how large-scale mining operations can transition towards cleaner, greener and more efficient energy systems.
With rising demand for sustainable practices, the project is more than an energy investment. It’s a demonstration of what the future of mining in Australia can look like.
Throughout 2025, SPOKE was engaged by Gold Fields to provide media, communications, and stakeholder engagement support for the St Ives Renewables Project, including coordinating awareness around the transportation of seven wind turbines from Geraldton to St Ives and engaging schools along the route.
A highlight of this support was generating media and stakeholder interest in a unique program, where seven community-inspired artworks were created and will soon take pride of place on the turbine nacelles, providing a lasting visual legacy for the region.
SPOKE’s Director of Strategy Megan Whitford led the program and said it was fantastic to involve Gold Fields’ host communities and broader regional areas in the journey of such a meaningful project.
“We engaged teachers, students, Gold Fields team members, State and local governments, local businesses and community members between Geraldton and Kambalda, creating a genuine sense of shared purpose,” she said.
“From the moment Gold Fields engaged us, it was an incredibly fulfilling program to work on, and we’re extremely proud of the role SPOKE played in bringing it to life.”
Six of the artworks were inspired by workshops led by FORM Building a State of Creativity, involving more than 200 students from local schools along the turbines’ transportation route. Each artwork tells its own story of wind, place, and culture, connecting students directly to the renewable energy journey unfolding in their region.
The seventh artwork was designed by Indigenous artist Sara Riches, who has strong connections to Ngadju country where the St Ives Renewables Project is located.
In addition to extensive media coverage of the artwork initiative, SPOKE managed an exclusive community event in Kalgoorlie at which all seven artworks were unveiled.
More than 70 guests, including members of the Goldfields and Mid West communities, industry partners, students, educators, and project stakeholders gathered for the official reveal of the seven designs.
SPOKE also managed a school education initiative in collaboration with the Gold Industry Group, where students learnt about gold mining, Gold Field’s commitment to sustainability through the St Ives Renewables Project, and the diversity of careers at the global gold miner.
The community-inspired artwork and education program highlights how industry, community and culture can come together to create impact and enduring value beyond mining.
“By combining renewable energy innovation with hands-on learning and creative expression, Gold Fields and its partners are delivering a landmark project for clean energy, while also inspiring the next generation to engage with science, sustainability, and local heritage,” Megan said.
The St Ives Renewables Project is on track to be completed in 2026 and will provide more than 70% of the St Ives mine site’s energy needs.
