On April 8, Aurora Gold Mine, a Zijin operation in Guyana, commissioned Phase II of its solar power project, completing the largest solar power system in the country. The project brings the mine’s total installed solar capacity to 49.4 megawatts, which can meet all electricity demand in its living quarters and provide approximately 75% of the energy required by its concentrator plant.

The milestone marks Aurora’s fundamental transition from fully diesel-based generation to an integrated, intelligent power supply model underpinned by solar power and energy storage.

The Phase II expansion added 31.4 megawatts of solar capacity and 60 MWh of energy storage to Aurora’s existing Phase I installation, significantly reducing Aurora’s reliance on diesel. The solar-plus-storage system is expected to generate about 63 million kWh of clean electricity annually, cutting diesel consumption by roughly 18 million liters and lowering carbon emissions by about 47,000 tonnes each year. It will substantially improve the mine’s energy efficiency and its ability to operate sustainably.

The completion of the project demonstrates Zijin’s leading capability in integrating renewable energy into large, remote mining operations. It has also created about 100 local jobs and training opportunities in renewable energy skills.

Guyana’s Prime Minister Mark Phillips, Chinese Ambassador to Guyana Yang Yang, and Dr. Mahender Sharma, Chief Executive Officer of the Guyana Energy Agency, attended the project’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.