NGM has already commenced detailed engineering, and expects to begin construction in the third quarter. The modules supplied by First Solar are expected to be delivered in the beginning of the second quarter of 2023 and will power both phases of the power plant.
Ensuring that the selected contract partner for this project fully supported NGM’s values was a top priority for the company, NGM stated. It chose to contract with a supplier who is committed to fair labor practices, investing in American manufacturing and American jobs, and is one which will deliver high-performance solar panels with the lowest carbon footprint and the best environmental profile available today.
Although this process has been time-consuming, it has allowed the company to optimize the project schedule to commission both phase I and phase II by early 2024, NGM acknowledged.
NGM is currently committed to a 20% carbon reduction goal by 2025. This will be achieved through the 200MW solar array construction and the conversion of its coal-fired power plant to cleaner burning natural gas.
Meanwhile, Barrick is targeting an overall 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 against its 2018 baseline with the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050.
“The project is the latest in a series of carbon-reducing initiatives across the group’s global operations,” says Barrick group sustainability executive Grant Beringer. “The solar power plant will complement the transition of NGM’s coal power plant to a dual fuel process, which will enable it to generate electricity from natural gas, reducing carbon emissions by as much as 50%.”
NGM is a joint venture owned 61.5% by Barrick, with Newmont holding the remaining 38.5%. The NGM asset portfolio comprises 10 underground and 12 open-pit mines.
