ONEE Utilities, Aya Mining Subsidary ink green energy deal for Morocco

Canadian Precious metals mining company Aya Gold & Silver has inked a deal with Moroccan ONEE Utilities, to supply mining operations with green electricity in the Zgounder area, located in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains.

The deal will see Aya Gold’s Moroccan subsidiary, Zgounder Millennium Mining S.A., and ONEE construct energy stations and a 90-kilometer powerline. The powerline will ensure long-term power supply for the company’s mining operations in the Zgounder area, according to a company press release.

Within a two-year time frame, the 60 kilovolts (kV) power line will bring the Aya Moroccan subsidiary closer to reaching its net-zero emissions in 2024.A company statement indicates mining operations will be completely powered with green energy.

Power Purchase Agreement

Over 37% of Morocco’s interconnected grid is green energy, offering the company the opportunity to power its Zgounder project with 100% renewable energy. Through a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), the company plans to purchase green energy from independent power producers, reducing its carbon footprint by 85%, explains the statement.

“Deepening our ties with ONEE allows Zgounder to benefit from reliable and affordable power and is a significant step towards decarbonization. We look forward to partnering with one of the many renewable energy providers in Morocco, allowing our operations to be powered entirely by renewable energy. In addition to locking in cost savings at Zgounder, we expect the PPA to offer customized flexibilities and to help us reach the class-leading figure of 4.8 tonnes of CO2 per thousand of tonnes of ore processed,” Aya Gold’s  President and CEO Benoit La Salle, said.