Loading ...IAMGOLD (TSX:IMG) is taking a further step towards diversifying its power needs into renewable energy, with a plan to install a 15-megawatt-peak (MWp) solar power plant at its Essakane mine in Burkina Faso.
Announced yesterday, the Toronto-based company has signed a power purchase agreement to begin developing the solar plant at the gold mine, located about 330 kilometres northeast of the Burkinabe capital city, Ouagadougou. The 15-year deal is between IAMGOLD Essakane SA, EREN Renewable Energy SA, AREN ENERGY (PTY) Ltd. and Essakane Solar SAS.
The mine is 90% owned by IAMGOLD and 10% by the Burkina Faso government. It produces about 400,000 gold ounces a year.
The solar plant, expected to be commissioned by the end of 2017, would be operated by Essakane Solar SAS. Electricity produced from it will be sold to IAMGOLD Essakane SA.
cont. http://www.mining.com/burkina-faso-gold-mine-build-solar-hybrid-power-plant/