Launched in July 2024, the 3.5-megawatt solar facility features 6,620 bi-facial panels and is designed to supply up to 25% of the site’s energy needs during the mine’s closure phase, scheduled to begin in 2026. The installation is expected to generate approximately 4.2 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reducing diesel consumption by 1.1 million litres and cutting carbon emissions by nearly 2,900 tonnes per year—the equivalent of removing 630 vehicles from Canadian roads.

Developed in collaboration with Yukon-based contractor Solvest and the Tłı̨chǫ Investment Corporation, the business arm of one of Diavik’s Indigenous partners, the project reflects a strong commitment to sustainability and regional collaboration. The bi-facial solar panels are particularly effective in northern climates, capturing energy from both direct and reflected sunlight, while colder temperatures further boost their efficiency by up to 15% compared to warmer conditions.

As the mine transitions toward closure, Diavik is working with community groups and governments to assess the potential for redeploying the solar plant in other northern regions, aiming to extend its environmental and social benefits beyond the life of the mine.