In the heart of Mali, a Canadian gold mining company has taken a significant step towards sustainable energy usage. B2Gold Corp has recently expanded its Fekola Solar Plant, an innovative project aimed at powering its gold operations with renewable energy sources.
**Empowering Local Communities**
The expansion of the Fekola Solar Plant not only marks a milestone in environmental sustainability but also brings positive impacts to the local community. Over 120 jobs were created during the construction phase, providing valuable employment opportunities in the region. Additionally, 13 individuals received specialized training to maintain the newly expanded area, enhancing local expertise and skills development.
**A Greener Future**
Ken Jones, Director of Sustainability at B2Gold, highlighted the importance of this expansion in reducing emissions and embracing renewable energy solutions. He expressed that turning off the Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO) plant during peak solar radiation periods is a remarkable achievement for the company’s emission reduction goals.
**Enhanced Energy Capacity**
With an additional 46,200 solar panels added in Phase 2 of the expansion project, the Fekola Solar Plant now boasts a total of 142,912 panels. This substantial increase in solar capacity equips the plant to generate an extra 22MW of power alongside a boosted battery capacity of 12.7MWh. Such enhancements are projected to decrease annual emissions by an estimated 63,000 tonnes of CO2e and reduce HFO consumption by around 20 million liters annually.
**Global Commitment to Sustainability**
B2Gold’s endeavor towards embracing renewable energy extends beyond Mali. The company is actively exploring green energy sources for its global operations while focusing on decarbonization initiatives to achieve a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to baseline levels from 2021.
**Championing Off-Grid Innovation**
The expanded Fekola Solar Plant stands as one of the largest off-grid solar/HFO hybrid power plants worldwide. This pioneering initiative not only underscores B2Gold’s commitment to sustainable practices but also sets a benchmark for innovative solutions within the mining industry.
**Investing in Renewable Futures**
Acquiring control over the Fekola project through a merger with Papillon Resources Limited back in 2014 was just the beginning for B2Gold Corp. The strategic location of the Fekola Complex at Mali’s southwestern border positions it as a key player in driving sustainable practices within Africa’s mining sector.
As companies like B2Gold continue to lead by example with their sustainability efforts and commitment to renewable energy integration into core operations, they pave the way for greener practices across industries globally.
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