Blue Cap Mining said the combined renewable power, green hydrogen and mining operations were expected to add 150 full-time jobs in the region.

“The responsibility for change within our industry is with us, as participants and producers,” Ashley Fraser, managing director of Blue Cap Mining, said.

With the mining sector accounting for 10 per cent of Australia’s total energy use and 14.3 billion litres of diesel per year, liquid hydrogen for crushers and trucks could be a game changer when it’s ready for commercial use.

Using renewable power and green hydrogen, the Lord Byron mine is expected to displace around 13.2 million litres of diesel per year.

Feasibility milestones have been set for 2023 and construction is likely to begin within 18 months.