Mining is one of the most energy-intensive industries worldwide, and as African nations ramp up mineral extraction to stimulate economic growth, energy infrastructure is becoming crucial in supporting these operations.
With production targets on the rise, mining projects across the continent are increasingly investing in energy solutions to ensure the sustainability of their operations. This growing focus on energy security will be in the spotlight at the upcoming African Mining Week conference, scheduled for October 1-3 in Cape Town, where the mining-energy nexus will take centre stage, offering key insights into the opportunities emerging within Africa’s energy sector.
One notable development in South Africa is the commitment by mining company Northam, which in February 2025, signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) for 140 MW of wind energy to support its platinum group metals (PGM) operations in Limpopo. This deal builds on a previous PPA signed in October 2024, which secured 80 MW from a solar power facility for Northam’s Zondereinde mine. These agreements are part of Northam’s broader strategy to enhance energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and contribute to South Africa’s renewable energy targets, particularly as the country seeks to expand its PGM sector.
Another significant player, Richards Bay Minerals, a subsidiary of Rio Tinto, has made substantial moves to diversify its energy supply. In February 2025, the company signed its third PPA with Red Rocket, securing 230 MW of electricity from Red Rocket’s 380 MW Overberg Wind Farm. This agreement brings the total renewable energy contracted by Richards Bay Minerals to 500 MW, supporting Rio Tinto’s commitment to reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030. In addition to wind power, Richards Bay Minerals is sourcing energy from the 130 MW Bolobedu solar plant and the 140 MW Khangela Emoyeni wind farm, further enhancing its renewable energy portfolio.
Beyond South Africa, mining companies across Africa are making significant investments in renewable energy projects to secure a stable power supply. In South Africa, Ivanhoe Mines completed a 5 MW solar facility in the first quarter of 2025 to support its Platreef PGM mine. Meanwhile, Impala Platinum has signed a five-year agreement with Discovery Green to supply wheeled renewable energy to its Impala Refineries operation. In Angola, commodities firm Trafigura is developing a large-scale 2 GW renewable energy project to power mines, while First Quantum is set to commission a 430 MWenergy project in Zambia by 2025. Additionally, Tronox Holdings plans to roll out 400 MW of energy projects in South Africa by 2027, and Chinese mining company CMOC is preparing to launch a 200 MW energy project in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), slated for completion by 2028.
As African Mining Week approaches, the conference will highlight key milestones in energy security for the sector, showcasing the increasing importance of stable, sustainable energy solutions in the mining industry. The event will also underline the growing investment opportunities in Africa’s independent power markets, illustrating how these efforts are helping to meet the energy needs of the continent’s mining operations.
