Overview
Mount Keith Nickel Mine is a 112 MW gas power plant in Western Australia, operated by Southern Cross Energy. It provides electricity for mining operations in the remote Goldfields region.
Mount Keith Nickel Mine is a gas-fired power station located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, approximately 380 kilometers north of Kalgoorlie. The facility has a capacity of 112 megawatts and is owned and operated by Southern Cross Energy, supplying electricity to the Mount Keith nickel mine and surrounding mining operations. The plant operates on natural gas, a relatively cleaner fossil fuel compared to coal, but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. In Australia, gas power plants are regulated under national environmental laws and state-based emission standards. The facility's capacity places it in the medium-scale range for gas power generation in Australia, typical for remote mining operations. As a dedicated power source for a major nickel mine, the plant plays a critical role in supporting Australia's mining sector and export economy. Its location in a remote, arid region minimizes direct impact on populated areas, but the facility's emissions and water usage are subject to environmental oversight under Western Australian regulations.
Environmental context
The plant is situated in a remote, arid region with low population density, reducing direct exposure to emissions for communities. However, gas combustion produces CO2 and NOx, contributing to climate change and local air quality concerns. The facility's operation supports mining activities that have broader environmental impacts, including land disturbance and water use. Regulatory oversight under Australian and Western Australian laws aims to manage these effects through emission limits and environmental management plans.
Frequently asked questions
The Mount Keith Nickel Mine gas power plant is located in the Goldfields region of Western Australia, approximately 380 kilometers north of Kalgoorlie.
The Mount Keith Nickel Mine power plant has a capacity of 112 megawatts, making it a medium-scale gas-fired facility.
The plant is owned and operated by Southern Cross Energy, a company that provides electricity to mining operations in Western Australia.
Gas power plants in Australia are subject to national environmental laws, state-based emission standards, and environmental impact assessments. The National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Act requires reporting of emissions, and state authorities set limits on pollutants like NOx and SOx.
The primary fuel used at the Mount Keith Nickel Mine power plant is natural gas, which produces lower emissions compared to coal but still contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.