Expected to be operational at the beginning of the third quarter of 2014, the project is estimated to cost in between $12m-14m including the work necessary to prepare and provide access to the site.
Once operational, RGM will manage and operate the project with all electric power being used at its site, and will interconnect to Suriname’s electric power grid system.
IAMGOLD will continue to cooperate with the Suriname government on the project and plans to share all technical information with relevant government authorities and ADEK University of Suriname to improve the understanding of solar power potential in the country.
IAMGOLD South America vice president of commercial Ron Halas said the project is a positive step forward for the company and the country as a whole.
"Five megawatts of additional generating capacity will help the mine to reduce operating costs and free up existing power capacity for use by other customers in Suriname.
"I am pleased that IAMGOLD has chosen this proven ‘green’ technology to meet the increasing power needs at RGM," added Halas.
