Harmony Gold commissions solar photovoltaic plants for its mines
Harmony Gold Mining, a senior global gold producer, announced today that the 30 megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plants in the Free State (South Africa) have been commissioned.
The company said these plants are currently “delivering green electrons to our shafts” and expected to deliver approximately 70 gigawatt hours of renewable energy to Harmony’s Free State operations per annum.
Phase 1 will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 65 000 tonnes in the first 12 months of operation, it added.
“Construction of Phase 2 of our renewable energy programme is expected to commence in December 2023 (FY24) and be completed in FY25. Once complete, this will add a further 137MW in renewable energy,” the company said in a press release.
Harmony Gold noted that the first 100MW of Phase 2 will be largely funded using the R1.5 billion (~$78 million) green loan that was secured in June 2022, adding that the remaining 37MW will be delivered through a power purchase agreement.
The company anticipates an estimated saving of R425 million (~$22 million) a year in electricity costs once Phase 1 and 2 are complete.
“The renewable energy programme is critical to Harmony as we continue to decarbonize whilst lowering our energy supply risk and alleviating pressure on the national grid. This comprehensive programme will improve our energy mix, ensuring we achieve our goal of becoming net carbon zero by 2045. The allocation of capital towards such sustainable projects further demonstrates our commitment to the environment and decarbonization as we continue “Mining with Purpose”, said CEO Peter Steenkamp. Harmony Gold is the largest gold producer by volume in South Africa and is a significant operator of gold tailings retreatment facilities. In Papua New Guinea, Harmony owns and operates the Hidden Valley mine and owns 50% of the Tier 1 Wafi-Golpu copper-gold project. Harmony recently acquired 100% of the Eva Copper project, a near-term copper project in Queensland, Australia.
