As Africa’s mining industry faces increasing pressure to decarbonise, companies are turning to renewable energy solutions to meet environmental targets while ensuring reliable and affordable energy supplies. This shift is driven by the need to reduce operational costs, achieve sustainability goals and comply with evolving global regulations.
From solar and wind to hydropower, renewables are becoming integral to mining operations across the continent. Initiatives across Angola, Zambia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are setting a precedent for how renewables can transform the mining sector and contribute to Africa’s broader energy transition.
Trafigura’s 2 000MW green energy initiative
Global commodities trader Trafigura, engineering firm ProMarks and the Angolan government agreed to develop a 2 000MW high-voltage electricity interconnector in July 2024. The project will transport renewable energy, primarily from hydropower projects in northern Angola, to meet growing demand from mining companies in Zambia and the DRC. The project will also supply the Southern African Power Pool regional grid.
First Quantum’s 430MW renewables project in Zambia
Canadian mining firm First Quantum Minerals is investing $500 million in a 430MW renewable energy project to power its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines in Zambia. Developed in partnership with Total Eren and Chariot, the project includes a 230MW solar PV plant and a 200MW wind farm. The facilities, set for completion in 2026 and 2027, respectively, aim to reduce First Quantum’s carbon footprint by 30% by 2025.
Tronox Holdings’ 400MW portfolio in South Africa
Mining and chemicals firm Tronox Holdings has signed agreements with clean energy firms NOA Group and SOLA Group to secure over 400MW of renewable energy for its mining and smelting operations in South Africa. Once commissioned from 2027, the projects will provide 70% of Tronox Holdings’ energy needs, reducing the firm’s carbon footprint by 25% compared to 2019 levels. The combined capacity includes a 200MW solar power plant from SOLA Group and additional capacity from NOA Group, delivering 497GWh of electricity annually.
CMOC’s 200MW project in the DRC
Chinese mining firm CMOC closed a deal with green energy firm Lualaba Power in July 2024 to accelerate development of the 200MW Nzilo II hydropower and floating solar project in the DRC. The project will provide CMOC with baseload and peak power, supporting the firm’s target to produce 800 000 to 1 million tonnes of copper annually by 2028.
Northam’s 180MW solar farm in South Africa
In August 2024, mining firm Northam Platinum Group Metals signed a power purchase agreement for a 180MW solar farm to power its Zondereinde mine in South Africa. The solar plant will generate 220GWh annually, meeting 15% of the mine’s energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.
African Mining Week will serve as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energy 2025 conference from 1 to 3 October in Cape Town.
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