Diavik, the solar-powered diamond mine

July 4, 24 by John Jeffay

(IDEX Online) – Rio Tinto has installed Canada’s largest off-grid solar power plant at its Diavik diamond mine on the edge of the Arctic Circle.

It will supply up to a quarter of the electricity needed for production until the mine ceases operations in 2026.and closure, which will last another three years.

An Australian miner has installed more than 6,600 double-sided panels that are designed to capture direct sunlight and reflections from snow.

The plant is expected to generate 4.2 million kilowatt-hours of solar energy per year, reducing diesel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 630 cars.

The mine, which has been operating since 2012, has one of the largest wind farms in Canada.

Matthew Breen, Chief Operating Officer of Diavik, said: “We are proud to be leading the delivery of large-scale renewable energy projects in northern Canada.”

Northwest Territories Infrastructure Minister Caroline Wawzonek said: “The project demonstrates Rio Tinto’s leadership in reducing emissions and signals the potential for leadership in renewable energy in and through the North.”

Photo courtesy of Rio Tinto.