Another mining major is joining the solar energy brigade in South Africa.

The 25MW solar PV plant at Glencore’s ferroalloys mining and processing facility near Brits in the North West province, South Africa, is expected to ultimately supply 30% of the facility’s annual energy requirements.

Mining Weekly reports that work has already started on the solar plant, which is expected to be commissioned later this year.

The Rhovan-operated mine is reducing carbon emissions on two fronts. While the solar plant will cut carbon emissions by 48 000 tons a year, the mine also produces a range of vanadium products that are used in low-carbon applications, says Glencore Ferroalloys CEO Japie Fullard.

The solar project will have a local component by involving small and medium-sized businesses from the surrounding community.

6 February 2024
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