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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
National
Peter Hannam

Mercury pollution at Eraring power plant rose 130% in 12 months

Pollution Eraring Mercury Environment Coal New South Wales Tony Chappel Origin Vales Point
Eraring power station
Eraring power station reported major increases in pollutant emissions over 2022-23, according to data from the National Pollution inventory. Photograph: Harlz/Getty Images/iStockphoto

Mercury and particulate pollution from Australia’s largest coal-fired power station soared last year, prompting an environmental group to argue it would be “absurd and harmful” for the New South Wales government to extend its operations.

Origin Energy’s 2,880-megawatt Eraring power station, slated by the company to close in August 2025, reported mercury pollution jumped 130% in 2022-23 compared with the previous year, according to data from the national pollution inventory. The heavy metal permanently damages brains and kidneys, especially those of children.

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