Rio Tinto\u2019s Diavik diamond mine has received the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Environmental Excellence Award for its pioneering solar power plant \u2014 the largest off-grid solar installation in Canada\u2019s territories.<\/p>\n
Commissioned in July 2024, the 3.5-megawatt facility comprises 6,620 bi-facial panels and is designed to supply up to 25% of the mine\u2019s power needs during its closure phase, set to begin in 2026. The plant generates around 4.2 million kilowatt-hours annually, reducing diesel consumption by 1.1 million litres and lowering carbon emissions by approximately 2,900 tonnes \u2014 equivalent to taking 630 cars off the road.<\/p>\n
Matthew Breen, Chief Operating Officer, Diavik Diamond Mine, said, \u201cThis recognition reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and collaboration with our partners. The project demonstrates the potential for large-scale renewable energy in Canada\u2019s North.\u201d<\/p>\n
The solar plant was developed in partnership with Yukon-based contractor Solvest and the Tlicho Investment Corporation, the business entity of one of Diavik\u2019s Indigenous partners. The bi-facial panels capture energy from both direct sunlight and reflected light, making them ideal for snowy, cold climates. They also produce up to 10% more energy and operate 15% more efficiently at \u201325\u00b0C compared to warmer temperatures.<\/p>\n
As the mine prepares for closure, Rio Tinto is exploring ways to relocate the solar facility to benefit other Northern communities, extending its environmental impact well beyond Diavik\u2019s lifespan.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Rio Tinto\u2019s Diavik diamond mine has received the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Environmental Excellence Award for its pioneering solar power plant \u2014 the largest off-grid solar installation in Canada\u2019s territories. Commissioned in July 2024, the 3.5-megawatt facility comprises 6,620 bi-facial panels and is designed to supply up to 25% of the mine\u2019s power needs during…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":31589,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[83],"tags":[],"thb-sponsors":[],"class_list":["post-31588","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bulletin"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n