MINING REFINING

Solidcore to build 23 MW solar plant at gold mine in Kazakhstan

Wed Sep 18 2024

Kazakhstan-based gold mining company Solidcore Resources plc said on Thursday that its board of directors have approved the construction of a 23 MW solar power plant at its Varvara mine in the northern parts of the country as part of efforts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The company will also build a 40 MW gas piston power plant at the site. The aim of the facility is to maintain a steady power supply by balancing uneven solar energy generation.

The plants will require an investment of USD 55 million (EUR 49.4m) and are expected to become operational in the second quarter of 2026. The two facilities will almost fully replace third-party electricity from coal power stations.

Through the projects, Solidcore Resources expects to significantly lower its carbon footprint and energy costs.

The mining company will also consider the construction of a 17 MW solar power plant at its gold mine Kyzyl, with a potential commissioning by the end of 2026. Thus, both Solidcore mines will use self-generated clean energy, which would reduce the company’s greenhouse gas emissions by 27% compared to 2023.

(USD 1 = EUR 0.899)

Source: https://renewablesnow.com/