African Mining Sector Invests in Renewable Energy to Secure Sustainable Power

In a similar move, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of global mining giant Rio Tinto, has significantly expanded its renewable energy portfolio.

As Africa's mining industry continues to grow, securing reliable energy infrastructure has become a crucial factor for the sector’s long-term sustainability. With a substantial increase in mineral extraction to fuel economic development across the continent, mining companies are stepping up their investments in renewable energy to ensure stable power supplies, reduce carbon footprints, and align with global sustainability goals. In this context, energy security has taken center stage, prompting several major players in the African mining industry to sign power purchase agreements (PPAs) with renewable energy providers, focusing on solar and wind energy solutions.

Northam's Strategic Energy Moves in South Africa

One of the standout developments in the African mining sector is the February 2025 agreement between Northam Platinum, a leading South African mining company, and renewable energy providers. Northam signed a PPA for 140 MW of wind power to bolster the energy supply for its platinum group metals (PGM) operations in Limpopo. This agreement comes just months after the company signed another PPA for 80 MW of solar energy, which will power the Zondereinde mine in South Africa. The wind and solar projects are part of Northam's broader strategy to ensure energy security, reduce the environmental impact of its operations, and help the country expand its PGM sector, one of South Africa’s key economic drivers.

These energy agreements support the South African government's efforts to transition to renewable energy sources and reduce the nation’s dependency on fossil fuels. Northam’s move aligns with the government’s commitment to green energy development, marking a significant step toward integrating sustainability into the mining industry.

Richards Bay Minerals Bolsters Its Renewable Energy Portfolio

In a similar move, Richards Bay Minerals (RBM), a subsidiary of global mining giant Rio Tinto, has significantly expanded its renewable energy portfolio. In February 2025, the company signed its third PPA with renewable energy provider Red Rocket, securing 230 MW from the 380 MW Overberg Wind Farm. This latest agreement brings RBM’s total contracted renewable energy capacity to 500 MW, a significant step towards Rio Tinto’s goal of reducing its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.

In addition to wind power, Richards Bay Minerals is sourcing energy from other renewable sources, including the 130 MW Bolobedu solar PV plant and the 140 MW Khangela Emoyeni wind farm. This diverse energy mix demonstrates the growing importance of renewable sources in the mining sector’s energy strategy. The company's efforts also contribute to South Africa's broader goal of reducing its reliance on coal-fired power plants and embracing cleaner energy sources.

Expanding Renewable Energy Projects Across Africa

The renewable energy investment trend is not limited to South Africa. Mining companies across the African continent are driving large-scale energy initiatives to secure a stable and sustainable power supply. For instance, Ivanhoe Mines, which operates the Platreef PGM mine in South Africa, completed a 5 MW solar facility in Q1 2025. This move is part of Ivanhoe’s broader strategy to reduce the carbon footprint of its operations while ensuring a reliable energy source for its mining activities.

Impala Platinum has also made strides in renewable energy investments by signing a five-year PPA with Discovery Green to supply wheeled renewable energy to its Impala Refineries operation. This agreement reflects a growing trend among mining firms to engage with innovative energy solutions, further supporting the drive towards a cleaner and more resilient energy future.

On the continent’s west coast, global commodities firm Trafigura is taking a bold step in Angola, where it is developing a 2 GW renewable energy project to power its mining operations. Meanwhile, First Quantum, a leading copper and gold mining company, is set to commission a 430 MW energy project in Zambia in 2025, ensuring the firm can meet its energy demands for the foreseeable future.

Further investments are being made in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where Chinese mining company CMOC is preparing a 200 MW energy project. This project is expected to be commissioned by 2028, helping CMOC reduce its reliance on traditional power grids and align with global sustainability targets.

The Role of African Mining Week in Shaping the Future of Energy

These significant investments and the increasing demand for stable, renewable energy solutions will be a key focus at the upcoming African Mining Week conference. Scheduled to take place in 2025, the conference will highlight the emerging opportunities in the mining-energy nexus. With Africa’s energy transition gaining momentum, the event will underscore the importance of strategic investments in energy infrastructure to support the mining industry’s growth.

As energy security becomes a central theme, African Mining Week will provide a platform for industry leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers to discuss the challenges and opportunities in the sector. The conference will also emphasize the role of independent power producers (IPPs) in facilitating the energy transition and supporting the mining industry’s ambitious growth targets.

The Future of Mining and Energy in Africa

The future of Africa’s mining industry is undeniably intertwined with the continent’s renewable energy efforts. As mining companies continue to prioritize energy sustainability, they are paving the way for a greener, more secure energy future. The push for renewable energy in the mining sector represents a crucial step in addressing the continent’s energy challenges while fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and meeting the increasing global demand for minerals.

With an eye on both economic development and environmental sustainability, Africa’s mining sector is poised to become a leader in the global transition to renewable energy. Through investments in solar, wind, and other renewable energy sources, the continent is not only securing its energy future but also contributing to the global fight against climate change.