Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) – a joint venture between Canadian miner Barrick Gold and US major Newmont – has started building a 200 MW alternating current photovoltaic solar facility, adjacent to its TS power plant, near Dunphy, Nevada.
The solar array will be constructed in a single phase with commercial production expected in the second quarter of 2024.
Upon completion, the project will supply renewable energy to NGM’s operations and realise 254 000 t/y of CO2-equivalent emissions reduction, resulting in an 8% emission reduction from the company’s 2018 baseline.
NGM has committed to a 20% carbon reduction by 2025 which will be achieved through the TS Solar facility and the modification of NGM’s TS power plant, providing the ability to use cleaner burning natural gas as a fuel source.
NGM is partnering with three Nevada-based contractors to complete the civil, solar substation, and mechanical construction of the solar facility. Domestically sourced steel piles are arriving on site in preparation for module foundation construction and tracker installation. At peak, the project is expected to employ about 250 people.
“At NGM, we embed the principles of partnership and sustainability into every decision we make. We continually seek opportunities to source materials and labor as close to our projects as possible. The TS solar facility is a great example of how we can partner with local resources on a project that not only benefits the environment, but also provides sustainable long-term social and economic benefits,” said NGM executive managing director, Peter Richardson.