Zimbabwe’s largest platinum miner, Zimplats, is deepening its significant investment in renewable energy to power its mining operations. The company has announced a new $54 million capital investment to install an additional 45 megawatts (MW) of solar capacity. This initiative is a key part of the company’s broader strategy to enhance energy self-sufficiency, reduce costs, and champion sustainable mining practices in a country facing energy challenges.
Phased Solar Expansion Underway with Zimplats renewable energy
Zimplats is executing its solar strategy in carefully planned stages. The first phase, a 35 MW solar plant, was successfully commissioned in August 2024, marking a crucial step in the company’s journey toward energy independence. This initial plant is already helping to reduce reliance on the national electricity grid and mitigate the impact of frequent power outages.
Building on this success, the company has broken ground on Phase 2A of its renewable energy program. This new phase involves the construction of a 45 MW solar power plant, which will bring Zimplats’ total installed solar capacity to 80 MW. This latest development in the company’s long-term energy plan, which has seen previous investments like the initial Zimplats Invests $27 Million in a Solar Energy Project, is expected to be completed and operational in the first half of 2027. Once complete, these facilities will significantly enhance the reliability and sustainability of its mining operations.
Broader Energy Strategy and Grid Contribution through Zimplats renewable energy
These solar installations are part of an ambitious long-term vision. Zimplats is ultimately developing a 185 MW solar project, which is set to be completed by fiscal year 2027. This large-scale project will not only power Zimplats’ mining, smelting, and refining operations but is also designed to contribute to the national energy supply. Through a net-metering arrangement, any excess electricity generated will be supplied to Zimbabwe’s national grid, supporting the country’s overall power stability.
The engineering, procurement, and construction for the project are being managed by Distributed Power Africa, a subsidiary of the Econet Group. Beyond solar, Zimplats is also diversifying its energy portfolio by investing in a 35 MW furnace off-gas heat recovery project. This initiative, expected to be operational by fiscal year 2025, captures waste heat and converts it into useful energy, further reducing the company’s carbon footprint and improving energy efficiency. Understanding the basics of solar panel manufacturing highlights the technical sophistication involved in deploying such large-scale renewable projects.
Leading a National Trend in Sustainable Mining with Zimplats renewable energy
Zimplats’ investment in renewable energy is part of a wider trend across Zimbabwe. As power shortages continue to affect the country, many industrial and mining firms are turning to solar and other renewable solutions to ensure operational continuity. The government has actively encouraged this shift, which is detailed in the comprehensive Zimbabwe Solar Panel Manufacturing Report.
The scale of this transition is evident in other major projects, such as the ambitious plan where Zimbabwe Builds 150 MW Floating Solar Project, showcasing the innovative approaches being adopted nationwide. Zimplats’ solar projects and heat recovery initiative demonstrate a proactive approach to solving energy challenges while advancing environmental sustainability. For those following the sector, the Zimbabwe Solar News Archives offer a continuous stream of updates on this rapidly evolving industry.
This move solidifies Zimplats’ position as a leader in sustainable mining. By investing in a clean, reliable power source, the company is not only securing its own operational future but also contributing positively to Zimbabwe’s national energy objectives and the global effort to reduce carbon emissions.
To learn more about entering the solar industry and the intricacies of setting up production facilities, explore our free e-course on solar panel manufacturing.