Key enablers for techno-economic optimisations of microgrids in advancing the decarbonisation of mineral processing operations in Australia: The case of copper

• Hybrid microgrids offer decarbonisation opportunities in mineral processing. • Predictive dispatch & demand-side flexibility enhance economic performance. • First comprehensive microgrid simulation & optimisation across 135 copper deposits. • 84% carbon reduction achieved with optimal 80% renewable energy penetration. The global energy transition has significantly increased copper demand due to its critical role in renewable energy infrastructure. As a leading copper producer, Australia faces the challenge of decarbonising its energy-intensive copper processing operations. This paper evaluates key enablers for techno-economic optimisations of hybrid microgrids across Australian copper deposits. We present a comprehensive design integrating solar photovoltaic systems, wind turbines, diesel generators, and battery storage with advanced predictive dispatch and demand-side flexibility features. Using HOMER simulation software, the model was applied to 135 identified copper deposits in Australia. Our model was validated against the operational DeGrussa Copper Mine microgrid system, demonstrating deviations of less than 10% across key performance metrics. The study focuses on three key optimisation dimensions: energy source hybridisation, dispatch strategies, and demand-side flexibility. Our findings reveal that hybrid microgrids achieve optimal performance with approximately 80% renewable energy penetration, achieving a minimum Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) of $0.32/kWh while reducing median specific carbon emissions to 0.11 kg kg-CO 2 /kWh, an 84% reduction compared to baseline diesel generators. Economic performance is significantly enhanced through predictive dispatch strategies and demand-side flexibility via deferrable loads, which better align energy consumption with renewable generation patterns. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of hybrid microgrid benefits across 135 Australian copper deposits, demonstrating that such systems represent an economically viable and environmentally sustainable solution for advancing decarbonisation in mineral processing operations.