Rio Tinto has completed construction of a 3.5 megawatt (MW) solar power plant at the Diavik Diamond Mine in Canada’s Northwest Territories. This project, the largest of its kind in the Canadian territories, aims to reduce energy costs and optimize the mine’s operating efficiency.
Comprising 6,620 solar panels, the plant is expected to generate 4.2 million kilowatt-hours of solar energy per year. This will reduce the mine’s diesel consumption by a million liters a year, representing substantial savings.
Background and development
The solar power plant will supply up to 25% of the electricity needed for Diavik’s closure work, with commercial production scheduled to end in 2026 and complete closure expected by 2029. The bi-facial panels used are designed to maximize energy production in the region’s specific climatic conditions.
This solar project is in addition to an existing wind farm, operational since 2012, which has already produced over 195 million kilowatt-hours of electricity. This dual energy approach enables Diavik to improve its energy resilience and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
Investment and Partnerships
The project received C$3.3 million in funding from the Government of the Northwest Territories’ Large Emitters GHG Reducing Investment Grant program. This program uses part of the carbon tax to finance industrial emission reduction projects.
Construction, which began in February 2024, was carried out by Whitehorse-based Solvest Inc. in partnership with the Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation. Around 30% of the workforce came from the Tłıchǫ Investment Corporation, thus integrating a local and community dimension into the project.
Future implications
Working with the Government of the Northwest Territories and local partners, Rio Tinto is exploring options to ensure that Diavik’s energy infrastructure continues to benefit the region after the mine closes. This could include energy transfer initiatives and community development programs.
Rio Tinto continues to focus on optimizing its global operations, looking for ways to reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency. The success of the Diavik solar power plant could serve as a model for other remote sites.
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