A 3.9 MWp photovoltaic power plant with a battery storage capacity of 2.6 MWh will be built and integrated into Nampala's existing thermal power plant, said the companies, with the aim of reducing energy costs and carbon emissions.

The plant aims to reduce the mine's carbon footprint by 60,000 tonnes over 10 years and lower the current cost of mine activities by US$0.04 per kilowatt, said Benjamin Cohen, chief executive of Robex Resources.

"[This] additional source of energy will stabilise our electricity production and reduce our production costs, which are already among the lowest in the world," said Cohen.

Gold production at the mine rose 13% to 13,921 ounces in the second quarter of 2020 compared to 12,089 ounces during the same period in 2019. 

Increases in the ore processed at the Nampala plant, 456,091 tonnes vs. 402,678 tonnes for the second quarter of 2019,  and an improved recovery rate - 89.5% vs. 86.6% for the same period in 2019 - were cited as the factors responsible for the improved performance.

Total cash cost per ounce sold in the second quarter of 2020 increased to C$631 (US$476) compared to C$683 for the same period in 2019.

Christian Chammas, chief executive of Vivo Energy said this was his company's first hybrid solar energy project - Vivo is more known for marketing and distributing Shell and Engen-branded fuels and lubricants in Africa.

"We believe the benefits of our innovative partnership … are many, and we look forward to expanding our offering to help [customers] reduce their costs and CO2 emissions," said Chammas.

Vivo Energy Mali has supplied fuels and lubricants to the Nampala mine since it reached commercial production in 2017.