Pan African Resources (PAR) has completed its 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at the Fairview mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga. The facility is expected to meet 15% of the mine’s energy needs, saving about R40-million annually on electricity costs.
PAR Completes 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at Fairview Mine
Mid-tier gold producer Pan African Resources (PAR) has completed the construction and mechanical assembly of its 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at the Fairview mine, marking a key milestone in enhancing sustainability and cutting energy costs at the historic Barberton site.
This significant milestone, reached at the end of June, included the installation of solar trackers and marks the start of test work to ensure the facility meets all operating and regulatory standards.
As a key part of the Barberton Mines complex, Fairview is one of the oldest gold mines in the region, with a rich history spanning over 130 years.
This new solar plant is a major step in PAR’s efforts to modernize operations and reduce its carbon footprint. At a cost of R220 million, the project is expected to generate 15% of the energy needed for Barberton Mines, delivering an estimated annual electricity cost saving of R40 million ($2.4 million) at current tariffs.
New Solar PV Plant: A Commitment to Renewable Energy
This solar facility is a cornerstone of PAR’s broader commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. The project aligns with the company’s strategy of reducing carbon emissions and increasing its reliance on clean energy sources for its mining activities. The success of the Fairview project is expected to pave the way for further renewable energy initiatives within the company.
PAR is also conducting independent feasibility studies to explore expanding its renewable energy capacity at other sites. These studies include the potential expansion of the existing 9.97 MW Solar PV Plant at Evander Mines and the establishment of a new plant at the Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) operation in Gauteng. The feasibility studies are anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
In addition to its own solar plants, PAR has also signed a power purchase agreement with Sturdee Energy, an integrated renewable energy company. This agreement will provide PAR with 40 MW of wheeled electricity from Sturdee’s Bela-Bela Solar PV Plant in Limpopo. The initial agreement spans ten years, with an option to extend for an additional five years.
The Bela-Bela Solar PV Plant is expected to generate approximately 112,399 MWh of renewable energy annually for PAR. Over the ten-year agreement, this will lead to projected savings of R646 million, with potential savings reaching R884 million if the agreement is extended to 15 years.
Expanding Solar PV Capacity
Looking ahead, PAR is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its solar energy capacity. Plans include adding 12 MW to the existing 10 MW facility at Evander Mines. Additionally, PAR is exploring the construction of another solar plant with a capacity between 20 MW and 25 MW at the MTR operation.
Once these expansions are complete, PAR anticipates generating approximately 75,000 MWh of renewable energy annually. This would result in an estimated R100 million in electricity savings each year, alongside a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 80,000 tons per year.
The completion of the 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at the Fairview mine represents a major milestone in PAR’s journey toward sustainable mining. With ongoing projects and future expansions, PAR is positioning itself as a leader in renewable energy within the mining sector, ensuring long-term environmental and economic benefits for the company and its stakeholders.
