Electricity - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

FQM AND ZESCO IN TALKS TO IMPROVE NATIONAL GRID EFFICIENCY

February 16, 2024February 16, 2024 Constance

Stabilisation of the national power grid is a prerequisite to increasing Zambia’s copper production to 3 million tonnes a year, says First Quantum Minerals (FQM). The need to ensure that power is available ahead of new mine production, and that this power is efficiently transmitted through the national grid cannot be over emphasised, said the company. The message came as the country’s largest power user hosted engineers from ZESCO this week at its Trident mine in Kalumbila as part of on-going discussions to improve the efficiency of the nation’s power… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Gold Press Release

Kibali Gold Mine Sets Benchmark for Sustainable and Automated Mining

January 31, 2024January 31, 2024 Constance

KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO – Kibali, the largest gold mine in Africa, is now also one of the greenest mines on the African continent, Barrick president and chief executive Mark Bristow told media at a briefing on Monday January 29th. Much of the electricity that drives Kibali is already supplied by its three hydropower stations. Once the mine’s new 16 megawatt solar plant and additional battery energy storage infrastructure, designed to back up the hydropower supply during the region’s dry season, are commissioned, it is expected the mine’s overall renewable electricity… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Electricity

Trafo Power Solutions Delivers 40+ Substations to Kamoa Copper

January 17, 2024January 17, 2024 Constance

Trafo Power Solutions says it has supplied 40 dry-type mini-substations, as well as seven standalone ring main units, to Kamoa Copper SA, one of the Africa’s largest and fastest growing copper operations, situated in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Kamoa Copper is the operator of the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex. “We are immensely proud to be involved in this mega project,” says David Claassen, Managing Director at Trafo Power Solutions. “Considerable design work and planning went into this contract, with very demanding lead times to keep up with the mine’s rapid… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Electricity Mining in Zambia

Affirma Capital Invests $145 Million to Boost Power Supply for Copper Mines in DRC and Zambia

January 11, 2024January 11, 2024 Constance

(Agence Ecofin) – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia are the two leading copper producers in Africa. While the electricity supply for mines remains a challenge in these two countries, the investment announced by Affirma Capital can contribute to improving the situation. On January 8, Affirma Capital, the former private equity branch of Standard Bank, announced a $145 million investment in the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC). With a $50 million contribution from Standard Bank of South Africa, this investment will be used to enhance access to electricity for… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy Partnership

FQM SIGNS LANDMARK POWER SUPPLY AGREEMENT WITH ZESCO

December 1, 2023December 1, 2023 Constance

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) and ZESCO have entered into a landmark Power Supply Agreement (PSA), marking a new era of cooperation and securing a sustainable energy supply for FQM’s Trident and Kansanshi mines in Zambia. The ten-year agreement marks a significant milestone in the relationship between the two companies and represents a new era of collaboration and sustainable energy development in Zambia. Under the terms of the PSA, ZESCO will supply over 420 Megavolt Amperes (MVA) of renewable power to FQM’s Trident and Kansanshi mine sites. This substantial power supply… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Copper Electricity

CMOC Group Faces Hurdles in DRC Cobalt and Copper Expansion Amid Electricity Woes

November 24, 2023November 24, 2023 Constance

Chinese mining giant CMOC Group foresees challenges in the expansion of its cobalt and copper production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to ongoing electricity supply issues in the region. The DRC, a leading global supplier of cobalt and a prominent copper producer, faces persistent power shortages and logistical hurdles in exporting metals via ports in South Africa, Tanzania, and Namibia. CMOC’s Tenke Fungurume mine was among those affected by recent disruptions caused by a wildcat strike among truckers, leading to stranded copper and cobalt shipments. While the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Mozambique’s EDM to Resume Electricity Sales to Zambia

October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 Constance

Mozambique’s publicly owned electricity company, EDM, announced on Tuesday October 17th that it will resume the sale of electricity to Zambia, through its Zambian counterpart, ZESCO Limited. To this end, EDM chairperson Marcelino Alberto and the ZESCO General Director, Victor Mapani, signed a power supply agreement (PSA), under which EDM will sell 50 firm megawatts of power to ZESCO and a further 200 non-firm megawatts. (“Firm” means that the power is supplied at off-peak times.) The two companies also extended an agreement whereby power is supplied from Zambia to Zumbo… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Cobalt Electricity Mining in Zambia

DRC Sets Sights on Electric Battery Value Chain in Global EV Market

September 27, 2023September 27, 2023 Constance

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is poised to become a key player in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, with projections indicating a substantial growth from $370.86 billion in 2021 to a staggering $1,298.32 billion by 2027, according to Bloomberg. To solidify its position, the DRC recently hosted a workshop on electric battery value chains, in collaboration with the Congolese Battery Council (CCB) and the US Department of State. Minister Nicolas Kazadi stressed the importance of a cross-border and regional approach, highlighting the need for cooperation with neighboring countries… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

ZESCO reintroduces electricity subsidies to benefit 8,300 new connections

August 30, 2023August 30, 2023 Constance

Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation Limited, the national electricity provider, has announced a significant move to enhance electricity access for low-income households and small-scale enterprises across Zambia. The company’s Managing Director, Victor Mapani, shared through a statement that they are reintroducing an electricity connection subsidy as part of the Electricity Service Access Project (ESAP). This initiative aims to extend electricity access primarily to rural areas. Under this program, a total of 8,300 new electricity connections will be established, benefiting both households and small-scale enterprises. Out of these, 7,800 connections are earmarked… Read More Here

International Electricity Energy

South Africa Signs Eight Deals to Revamp Electricity Network with China

August 25, 2023August 26, 2023 Constance

South Africa signed eight agreements with Chinese companies to strengthen its electricity system and address load shedding on the sidelines of the 15th BRICS Summit, currently taking place in Johannesburg, South Africa. The pacts will assist South Africa to expand electricity generation, transmission and distribution networks as well upgrade its nuclear facility, extend the life of coal plants, deploy technologies to reduce emissions and build solar PV manufacturing facilities. The agreements were signed by Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, South Africa’s Minister in the Presidency for Electricity with Chinese entities including State Grid Corporation of China,… Read More Here