Zijin Rosebel Gold Mines has officially inaugurated its second solar park, marking a significant advancement in its commitment to sustainable mining operations. The newly activated facility, boasting a capacity of 25 megawatts, represents a strategic effort to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and minimize harmful emissions. This initiative aligns with the company’s broader environmental goals, following the August introduction of seven fully electric 90-ton mining trucks—the first of their kind in the region.
Suriname’s Minister of Public Works, Stephen Tsang, praised the investment as a powerful signal to the international community. In an interview with Starnieuws, he emphasized that multinational corporations like Zijin are not obligated to pursue sustainable development but are choosing to lead by example. He noted that the solar park enhances energy independence in an eco-friendly manner and serves as a model for other major enterprises and the state-owned energy company EBS. Minister Tsang connected the project to Suriname’s national ambition for a green policy, supported by the country’s 92% forest coverage.
Construction of the solar farm, spanning 20 hectares and equipped with 40,572 solar panels, converters, and storage batteries, was completed in eight months. According to Karel Abinie, Electrical Superintendent at Rosebel, and Jerry Huangfu of Zijin Longking Clean Energy, the installation will supply approximately 17% of the mine’s annual energy demand. Currently, 5 MW of energy is stored in batteries, with plans to expand storage capacity to improve energy security.
The project required a total investment of over $30 million USD and is expected to pay for itself within a decade. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Jerry Huangfu, Minister Tsang (representing President Jenny Simons), Xian Jian Guo—CEO of Zijin Gold International—and Liu Zhenhua from the Chinese Embassy. Officials highlighted the growing cooperation between Suriname and China, particularly in sustainable and green development initiatives.