New solar farm to supply Mount Isa mine

A new solar farm of up to 88 megawatts is set to power Mount Isa’s North West Minerals Province.

The Mica Creek Solar Farm will come under a two-staged plan, with APA announcing it will commence building stage one.

The solar farm project is an excellent example of the demand for renewable energy coming from all sectors of business and industry. The North West region is a significant part of Queensland’s resource-based economy and, with its endowment of new economy minerals, will play an important part in helping propel the boom in emerging technologies.

The project will also provide a boost to employment and the local economy, employing around 300 people during peak construction, and an ongoing workforce of between 1-5 people.

APA CEO and Managing Director Rob Wheals said APA was pleased to have signed a 32-year lease with the Queensland Government for the Mica Creek site.

“APA has been working with Economic Development Queensland in relation to a lease to support the solar farm, and are very pleased to work with the Queensland Government to continue our strong relationship and support the ongoing development of the North West Minerals Province,” APA CEO and Managing Director Rob Wheals

The first stage of the solar farm is expected to be operational by the first quarter of 2023.