Pan African Resources (PAR) has completed its 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at the Fairview mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga. This Solar PV Plant 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
Midtier gold producer Pan African Resources (PAR) has successfully completed the construction and mechanical assembly of its 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at the Fairview mine in Barberton, Mpumalanga.
Pan African Resources has launched its 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant at Fairview mine, a key milestone in enhancing sustainability and cutting energy costs at the historic Barberton site.
This significant milestone — achieved at the end of June — includes the installation of solar trackers and marks the beginning of testwork to ensure the facility meets all operating standards and regulatory requirements. Fairview mine, which is a key part of the Barberton Mines complex, is one of the oldest gold mines in the region, with a rich history spanning over 130 years.
The introduction of the Solar PV Plant is a major step in PAR’s ongoing efforts to modernize its operations and reduce its carbon footprint. The R220-million project is expected to generate 15% of the energy needs for Barberton Mines, with an estimated annual electricity cost saving of R40-million ($2.4-million) at current electricity tariffs.
New Solar PV Plant: A Commitment to Renewable Energy
This Solar PV Plant is a cornerstone of PAR’s broader commitment to sustainability and renewable energy. As part of its strategy, the company is focusing on reducing carbon emissions and also increasing its reliance on clean energy sources for its mining activities. The success of the Fairview Solar PV Plant is expected to pave the way for further renewable energy projects within the company.
PAR is also conducting independent feasibility studies to explore the expansion of 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 Solar PV Plant at the Mogale Tailings Retreatment (MTR) operation in Gauteng. These feasibility studies are anticipated to be completed by the third quarter of this year.
In addition to its own Solar PV Plants, PAR has taken a significant step by signing 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 course of 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 evaluating opportunities to expand its solar energy capacity. Plans are underway to add 12 MW to the existing 10 MW Solar PV facility at Evander Mines. Additionally, PAR is exploring the construction of another Solar PV Plant with a capacity ranging from 20 MW to 25 MW at the MTR operation.
Once these expansions are complete, PAR anticipates generating approximately 75 000 MWh of renewable energy annually. This will result in an estimated R100-million savings on electricity costs each year, alongside a significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of up to 80,000 tons per year.
The completion of the Fairview mine’s 8.75 MW Solar PV Plant marks a significant 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. This ensures long-term environmental and economic benefits for the company and its stakeholders.