NGM commences construction of the TS Solar Facility

ELKO — Nevada Gold Mines (NGM) is building a 200 MWAC (Megawatt, alternating current) photovoltaic solar facility to accelerate its decarbonization program in line with Barrick’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Roadmap. NGM is majority owned and operated by Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE:GOLD) (TSX:ABX). 

The company hosted a celebratory groundbreaking ceremony today, marking the commencement of construction of their TS Solar Facility. 

The facility is located adjacent to NGM’s TS Power Plant near Dunphy, Nevada. 

The solar array will be constructed in a single phase with commercial production expected in the second quarter of 2024.

NGM is partnering with three Nevada-based contractors to complete the civil, solar substation, and mechanical construction. 

Domestically sourced steel piles are arriving on site in preparation for module foundation construction and tracker installation. At peak, the project is expected to employ approximately 250 people.

“At NGM, we embed the principles of partnership and sustainability into every decision we make. We continually seek opportunities to source materials and labor as close to our projects as possible. The TS Solar Facility is a great example of how we can partner with local resources on a project that not only benefits the environment, but also provides sustainable long-term social and economic benefits,” said NGM executive managing director, Peter Richardson. 

Upon completion, the project will supply renewable energy to NGM’s operations and realize 254kt of CO2 equivalent emissions reduction per annum, resulting in an 8% emission reduction from the company’s 2018 baseline. 

NGM has committed to a 20% carbon reduction by 2025 which will be achieved through the TS Solar facility and the modification of NGM’s TS Power Plant providing the ability to use cleaner burning natural gas as a fuel source.

NGM and Barrick have a strong focus on environmental management practices and are committed custodians of the unique lands, waters, flora, and fauna within the state of Nevada. Barrick is targeting an overall 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 with the goal of achieving net-zero by 2050.