Overview
Cannington Mine is a 40 MW gas power plant in Queensland, Australia, owned by BHP Billiton. It provides electricity for the Cannington silver-lead-zinc mine.
Cannington Mine is a gas-fired power plant located in Queensland, Australia, with a capacity of 40 MW. Owned by BHP Billiton, it operates as a captive facility supporting the Cannington silver-lead-zinc mining operations. The plant is classified as a small-scale gas power station within Australia's energy sector. The facility uses natural gas as its primary fuel, a cleaner-burning fossil fuel compared to coal. Gas plants in Australia typically operate as reciprocating engines or gas turbines. The plant's capacity is modest, reflecting its role as a dedicated mine-site power source rather than a grid-connected utility. As a mine-site power plant, Cannington Mine reduces reliance on remote grid infrastructure and ensures reliable electricity for mining operations. Its operation aligns with Australia's regulatory framework, including the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act, which requires emissions reporting for large facilities. The plant's environmental impact is relatively low due to gas fuel, but it still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental context
The plant is located in a remote area of Queensland, far from major population centers, reducing local air quality impacts. Gas combustion produces lower CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions compared to coal, but still contributes to Australia's greenhouse gas inventory. The facility's capacity is small, limiting its overall environmental footprint. Proximity to the mine means it supports resource extraction, which has its own environmental considerations.
Frequently asked questions
The Cannington Mine power plant is located in Queensland, Australia, near the Cannington silver-lead-zinc mine.
The Cannington Mine power plant uses natural gas as its primary fuel.
The Cannington Mine power plant is owned by BHP Billiton, a global mining company.
The Cannington Mine power plant has a capacity of 40 megawatts (MW).
Gas power plants in Australia are subject to the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act, which requires reporting of emissions. State-based environmental protection agencies also regulate air quality and emissions.