Nevada Gold Mines is investing in a 200 MW solar plant to power its operations.

The Barrick Gold subsidiary will partner with First Solar to manufacture all the modules required for the solar plant.

Nevada Gold has begun detailed engineering, and is targeting construction to begin in the September quarter.

"The solar power plant will complement the transition of NGM's coal power plant to a dual fuel process, which will enable it to generate electricity from natural gas, reducing carbon emissions by as much as 50%," Barrick group sustainability executive Grant Beringer said.

Modules supplied by First Solar will be delivered in the beginning of the June quarter in 2023. These will power both phases of the power plant.

Nevada Gold aims to commission both phase I and phase II by early 2024.

There was a delay in selecting their subcontractor, as the company wanted to ensure the supplier was committed to fair labour practices, would produce the panels in the U.S., and generate the lowest carbon footprint, the company said.

Nevada Gold has committed to a 20% reduction in carbon emissions by 2025, in line with Barrick Gold's policy of decarbonisation. Barrick Gold is aiming to reduce carbon emissions by 30% by 2030 from its 2018 baseline levels, and is targeting zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Barrick Gold and Newmont Mining created Nevada Gold Mines in 2019. Barrick owns 61.5% of the joint venture, while Newmont holds 38.5%.