YELLOWKNIFE, Canada - Rio Tinto's Diavik Diamond Mine has been awarded the Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Environmental Excellence Award for its solar power plant, the largest off-grid solar installation in Canada's territories.
Activated in July 2024, the 3.5-megawatt facility features 6,620 bi-facial panels and is designed to meet up to 25% of the site's power needs during closure, which is set to begin in 2026. The plant is expected to generate approximately 4.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing diesel use by around 1.1 million litres and cutting carbon emissions by approximately 2,900 tonnes per year. This is equivalent to removing 630 vehicles from the road.
Chief Operating Officer of Diavik Diamond Mine Matthew Breen said: "This recognition reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility and collaboration with our partners. This project demonstrates the potential for large-scale renewable energy in Canada's North, and we are proud to contribute to the industry's progress toward a lower-carbon future."
The project was completed with Yukon-based contractor Solvest and the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, the business arm of one of Diavik's Indigenous participation agreement partners.
The plant's bi-facial (double-sided) panels are ideal for the Northern environment, capturing energy from both direct sunlight and reflected light off the snow and ground, generating up to 10% more energy. Cold temperatures further enhance efficiency, with output roughly 15% higher at -25°C than at +25°C.
As Diavik progresses toward closure, the mine is working with community partners and governments to explore opportunities to redeploy the solar plant elsewhere in the North, extending its environmental and community benefits beyond the life of the mine.
