“Green mining is the future” – Chinese envoy hails Aurora Solar Farm

As Guyana continues to push its green energy transition, Chinese Ambassador Yang Yang has underscored the importance of the mining industry to move away from traditional practices towards a more environmentally-friendly method.
She made these remarks during the recent commissioning of the Aurora Solar Farm at the Aurora Gold Mine site in Region Seven (Cuyuni–Mazaruni) on Wednesday. The US$100 million funding the project will see the 49.4 megawatt (MW) solar system with 82 MWh of battery storage generating approximately 63 million kilowatt-hour (kWh) of clean electricity annually, thus reducing diesel consumption by about 18 million litres per year, and cut carbon emissions by roughly 47,000 tonnes each year.

According to Ambassador Yang, this project marks a solid step forward for Aurora toward low-carbon transformation and green mining development.
“Green mining is, above all, about changing the way development is pursued. Modern mining must move away from the old model of high consumption and high emissions. It must strive for resource conservation, environmental protection, and long-term sustainability. A modern mine should create not only economic value, but also environmental value and social value,” she contended.
The Chinese diplomat noted that for too long, mining operations in remote areas have relied heavily on diesel power, which has resulted high energy costs and considerable environmental pressure. However, she declared that this is beginning to change with investments such as the Aurora Gold Mine.
“With the full commissioning of this project, most of the mine’s energy demand can now be met by clean power. Diesel use and carbon emissions will be significantly reduced. And power supply for the camp will also become more stable and reliable. This is a concrete example of the vision that, lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets,” the ambassador posited.

Chinese technology
Moreover, Ambassador Yang went onto outline that the Aurora Solar Farm represents yet another important achievement of China–Guyana cooperation in clean energy and mining.
She added, “It is also a vivid demonstration of how Chinese technology, Chinese experience, and China–Guyana cooperation can contribute to greener development. In this sense, the project is not only an energy project. It is also a project for transformation, for sustainability, and for the future.”
The Chinese diplomatic further highlighted that this project also reflects the deepening practical cooperation between China and Guyana. In recent years, the two countries have expanded their cooperation in infrastructure, energy, mining and green development.
According to Ambassador Yang, her Government is pleased to see that more and more projects are generating economic benefits while also advancing the green transition, improving the environment, and laying a stronger foundation for sustainable development.
“We hope this project will serve as a model and an inspiration. We hope it will encourage more enterprises to prioritize green mining, adopt clean energy, improve production methods, raise resource efficiency, and fulfil their corporate social responsibilities. Looking ahead, China stands ready to work with Guyana and with all partners to advance green development and build a future that is cleaner, more sustainable, and more prosperous for all,” she stated.
The Aurora Solar Farm, one of the largest in Guyana, integrates a system that balances generation and storage in real time to maintain a steady and dependable power supply.
Prime Minister Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips, who commissioned the facility on Wednesday, said the project will transform operations at Aurora Gold Mine – not only cutting carbon emissions annually but also generating a significant amount of electricity.
Apart from the environmental benefits, Phillips noted that about 100 local jobs were created during construction of the solar farm, with Guyanese workers gaining practical training in renewable energy systems, battery storage, and microgrid management – skills that are critical as Guyana continues to expand its use of renewable energy.