POWER

Regulators green-light solar for Gold Fields mine

The National Energy Regulator of South Africa (NERSA) has approved the issuance of a generation license to Gold Fields for the addition of a solar photovoltaic plant at the South Deep gold operation in Gauteng province.

 South Deep has a mine life of 75 years

South Deep has a mine life of 75 years

Gold Fields said it will update its definitive costings and finalise the required internal processes to start the project as soon as possible. The plant can potentially provide around 20% of South Deep's average electricity consumption.

Chief executive Nick Holland said: "The solar power plant will increase the reliability and affordability of power supply to South Deep, ultimately enhancing the long-term sustainability of the mine."

State utility Eskom's nationwide electricity supply has been marred by intermittent power cuts for a number of years, a serious issue for heavy power users such as deep gold mines in the country.

South Deep, acquired by Gold Fields in 2006, has a mine life of 75 years. It is the seventh deepest mine in the world, according to the miner, at a depth of 2,995 metres. 

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