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.
