Mount Isa Mines and APA Group partner in hopes of a cleaner future

In a continued effort towards climate change, Mount Isa Mines have partnered with energy infrastructure business, APA Group, to source power from its Solar Farm at Mica Creek in Mount Isa, following an initial commissioning period.

With a 15-year agreement in place, the mine will be using between 46-57% of the solar energy produced by the farm each year. This represents about 20% of Mount Isa Mines current electricity needs and is demonstration of Glencore’s enthusiasm for integrated energy solutions that can help reduce operational emissions across the region.

The 88-megawatt Dugald River Solar Farm has 185,000 solar PV panels across a 198-hectare site. Now operational, the solar farm will provide some of APA’s resources customers in the North West Minerals Province with a steady supply of electricity, backed by gas firming, at all times of the day and in all weather.

Glencore Zinc Assets Australia Chief Operating Officer, Sam Strohmayr, says that as an organisation, we are proud to not only produce critical metals that contribute to a low carbon future, but also reduce our own emissions footprint.

“The partnership helps reduce our high-power costs which is one of the elements that make it difficult to compete with our international rivals,” he said.

In a statement made by APA Group Chief Executive and Managing Director Adam Watson, APA Group is pleased to be able to continue to provide customers with energy solutions that support the North West Minerals Province.

“As a unique infrastructure player in Australia, we can bring renewable power generation to the community and then connect it up with gas-fired power generation to ensure they have reliable energy even when the sun stops shining and the wind stops blowing,” he said.

Glencore has committed to global emission reduction targets of 15% by 2026, 50% by 2035 and an ambition of net zero emissions by 2050.

One of the core actions identified to achieve these goals is Glencore’s commitment to prioritising global capital investment in critical minerals required for a low carbon economy, including zinc, copper, cobalt and nickel. 

APA will continue to support Mount Isa Mines with its energy needs with the provision of firming gas power from its highly efficient Diamantina Power Station (DPS) complex. The DPS complex is one of the most efficient dispatchable power stations in Australia, with emissions intensity about half of the Queensland grid.