Renewable energies: at the heart of African mining

As the African mining industry comes under increasing pressure to decarbonise, companies are turning to renewable energy solutions to meet environmental targets while ensuring a reliable and affordable energy supply. This shift is driven by the need to reduce operational costs, meet sustainability targets and comply with changing global regulations. From solar and wind power to hydropower, renewable energy is becoming an integral part of mining operations across the continent. Initiatives in Angola, Zambia, South Africa and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are setting a precedent for how renewable energy can transform the mining sector and contribute to Africa's wider energy transition.

In July 2024, global commodities trader Trafigura, engineering company ProMarks and the Angolan government agreed to develop a 2,000 MW high-voltage electricity interconnector. The project will transport renewable energy, mainly from hydroelectric projects in northern Angola, to meet growing demand from mining companies in Zambia and the DRC. The project will also feed into the regional power grid of the Southern Africa Power Pool.

Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals is investing $500 million in a 430 MW renewable energy project to power its Kansanshi and Sentinel mines in Zambia. Developed in partnership with Total Eren and Chariot, the project includes a 230 MW solar photovoltaic plant and a 200 MW wind farm. Scheduled for completion in 2026 and 2027 respectively, the facilities are designed to reduce First Quantum's carbon footprint by 30% by 2025.

Mining and chemicals company Tronox Holdings has signed agreements with clean energy companies NOA Group and Sola Group to secure more than 400 MW of renewable energy for its mining and smelting operations in South Africa. When commissioned from 2027, the projects will supply 70% of Tronox Holdings' energy needs, reducing the company's carbon footprint by 25% compared to 2019 levels. The combined capacity includes a 200 MW solar plant from the Sola Group and additional capacity from the NOA Group, providing 497 GWh of electricity per year.

In July 2024, Chinese mining company CMOC signed an agreement with green energy company Lualaba Power to accelerate the development of the 200 MW Nzilo II floating hydro and solar power project in the DRC. The project will provide CMOC with base load and peak power, supporting the company's goal of producing 800,000 to 1 million tonnes of copper per year by 2028.

In August 2024, Northam Platinum Group Metals signed a power purchase agreement for a 180 MW solar farm to power its Zondereinde mine in South Africa. The solar plant will generate 220 GWh per year, meeting 15% of the mine's energy needs while reducing carbon emissions.