Equivalent to 87,000 vehicles
As a result of the agreement, Zaldívar will be able to replace greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 350,000 tonnes per year, which equates to about 87,000 vehicles per year. Colbun, a Chilean utility company, will certify that the energy used at Zaldívar comes from renewable sources that do not generate emissions. This must also be verified by an external party. The agreement will also allow Zaldívar to reduce its future energy costs, says Antofagasta CEO Iván Arriagada.
Ten percent of the energy that Barrick used at all of its operating sites worldwide in 2017 was from renewable sources—a number that is expected to grow over time.
Earlier this year, Barrick announced plans to convert the power plant that supplies energy to the Pueblo Viejo mine in the Dominican Republic from heavy fuel oil to natural gas. The change is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with Pueblo Viejo by approximately 260,000 CO2 equivalent tonnes per year.