Solarcentury Africa Unveils 112 MWp Solar Plant to Power FQM’s Trident Mining Complex
First Quantum Minerals Partners with Solarcentury Africa on 112 MWp Solar Plant to Power Zambia’s Sentinel and Enterprise Mines
Solarcentury Africa has announced plans to develop a 112 MWp solar photovoltaic power plant for First Quantum Minerals (FQM), marking another major investment in renewable energy for Zambia’s mining sector at a time when reliable electricity supply has become a critical issue for the country’s economic growth.
The project, known as the Kusoka Solar Plant, will primarily supply renewable electricity to First Quantum’s Trident mining complex in North-Western Province, which includes the world-class Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine.
Together, these operations represent some of Zambia’s most significant mining assets and are key contributors to the country’s ambitions of substantially increasing copper production over the coming decade.
The development reflects a growing trend among major mining companies to invest in dedicated renewable energy infrastructure to enhance operational resilience, reduce electricity costs and strengthen sustainability performance.
As Zambia continues to face periodic power shortages linked to climate-related pressures on hydropower generation, mining companies have increasingly turned to alternative energy sources to secure long-term power stability.
Under the arrangement, Solarcentury Africa will own and operate the Kusoka facility as part of its expanding independent power portfolio in Southern Africa.
The project will operate under a merchant power model, creating flexibility to supply additional customers and potentially participate in regional energy trading markets through the Southern African Power Pool.
For First Quantum Minerals, the solar investment forms part of a broader strategy to diversify energy sources and improve security of supply across its Zambian operations.
Reliable power has become increasingly important as the company advances production from Sentinel while expanding its Enterprise nickel operation, one of the few large-scale nickel mines in Africa and a strategic asset for the global battery materials market.
The project also aligns with Zambia’s wider efforts to attract private-sector participation in power generation.
The country’s mining industry remains the largest consumer of electricity, accounting for a substantial share of national demand.
New generation capacity is expected to play a crucial role in supporting industrial expansion while reducing pressure on the national grid.
Engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) services for the solar plant have been awarded to Turkish engineering firm YEO Teknoloji, which will oversee plant design, equipment procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.
The development is also expected to create opportunities for local suppliers, contractors and skilled workers during both the construction and operational phases.
Industry observers view the Kusoka Solar Plant as a significant milestone in Zambia’s energy transition.
In addition to providing cleaner energy for mining operations, the project demonstrates how private capital can support the country’s efforts to expand renewable energy capacity while strengthening the competitiveness of its mining sector.
The investment further reinforces Solarcentury Africa’s growing footprint in Zambia. The company has disclosed that it now has approximately 348 MW of renewable energy projects either operating, under construction or in advanced stages of development in the country, highlighting increasing momentum behind solar power deployment in one of Africa’s leading mining jurisdictions.
As global demand for copper and battery minerals continues to rise, projects such as Kusoka are expected to become increasingly important in ensuring that mineral production growth is supported by reliable, cost-effective and sustainable energy infrastructure.
