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This follows the granting of a licence for the project by the National Energy Regulator of South Africa on February 25.

The solar plant will generate more than 20% of the average electricity consumption of the mine.

It will comprise 116 000 solar panels and cover a 118 ha area – roughly the size of 200 soccer fields – on mine property.

The project will be funded from the mine’s positive cash flows over the next two years.

The use of renewable distributed energy will translate into electricity cost savings of about R120-million a year.

South Deep is finalising procurement strategies and contractor criteria for the construction of the plant, which will begin during the second quarter of this year.

Gold Fields expects about 240 jobs to be created during the construction of the plant, while about 12 people will be required to operate the plant once it is operational.

“We are the first South African mine to build and operate our own solar plant of this scale. This will ensure greater reliability of power supply and reduce the cost of electricity, which currently makes up about 13% of the mine’s operating costs.

“Importantly, it will reduce our carbon footprint by around 100 000 t/y of carbon dioxide, not only enhancing the sustainability of South Deep but also contributing to Gold Fields’ long-term commitment to carbon neutrality,” Gold Fields CEO Chris Griffith comments

The plant is expected to be commissioned during the second quarter of 2022.

Once operational, renewables will contribute about 11% of Gold Fields' overall electricity use, compared with 3% in 2020.