Electricity - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

DRC Mining Firms Forced to Import Power Amid Severe Electricity Shortages 1

Mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are importing electricity from countries like Kenya and Ethiopia due to severe supply shortages, despite the nation’s vast untapped hydropower potential that could power much of Africa. The DRC’s mining sector faces a power deficit of between 500MW and 1,000MW, according to the Chamber of Mines. This energy shortage has plagued both industry and households for years, forcing companies to seek alternative power sources to maintain operations. This week, Gécamines, its subsidiaries, and the national electricity company, SNEL, convened to strategize… Read More Here

Zambian Copper mines Turn to Eskom for Power Amid Severe Energy Crisis

September 15, 2024September 16, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s largest mines are turning to an unexpected source of power as the country grapples with an unprecedented energy crisis: South Africa’s Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. Eskom, which faced its own severe electricity deficit until March, is now providing crucial support. The crisis in Zambia has been exacerbated by an historic drought that has crippled hydropower generation, which supplies about 85% of the country’s electricity. As a result, households are experiencing power cuts of up to 21 hours a day, and companies like First Quantum Minerals Ltd. are forced to… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy Electricity

Zambia and Zimbabwe Face Severe Power Crisis as Kariba Dam Water Levels Dwindle

September 11, 2024September 11, 2024 Constance

Zambia is set to shut down its hydropower plant at Kariba Dam on September 14, limiting households and businesses to just three hours of electricity per day. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe has warned it may be forced to turn off turbines at its hydropower station by December due to dwindling water levels caused by an El Niño-induced drought. Both Zambia and Zimbabwe are grappling with the effects of severe drought, driven by climate change, which has led to a dramatic drop in water levels at Kariba Dam—the world’s largest man-made lake and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Zambia Faces Severe Power Deficit Amid Prolonged Drought

September 8, 2024September 8, 2024 Constance

Zambia is grappling with a worsening power deficit of 1,510 megawatts (MW), despite an installed capacity of over 3,777 MW. This shortfall has persisted despite efforts to import electricity, as the country’s drought-stricken conditions have severely impacted its hydroelectric generation capacity. As a result, consumers, particularly households, are experiencing only three hours of electricity daily. The country has faced sustained power shortages since March 2024, after an El Niño-induced drought drastically reduced water levels in key reservoirs, including the 66-year-old Kariba Dam, which now holds less than 1.3 meters of… Read More Here

International Electricity

Tanzania Offers the Cheapest Electricity in East Africa Despite Limited Access

September 1, 2024September 1, 2024 ConstanceMining Jobs

Tanzania’s power sector, while struggling to provide electricity to the entire country, boasts the lowest electricity prices in East Africa, thanks to government subsidies. Judith Kapinga, Tanzania’s Deputy Minister of Energy, recently disclosed that the country has the cheapest electricity tariffs in the East African region. She attributed this to government subsidies that help reduce costs for consumers, as reported by The Citizen. Speaking before Tanzanian MPs who sought a status update on the Julius Nyerere Hydro Power Project, Kapinga emphasized that these subsidies ensure Tanzanians enjoy the lowest electricity… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

China to Assist Zambia in Resolving Power Deficit

August 28, 2024August 28, 2024 Constance

China is set to address Zambia’s power deficit caused by drought-induced hydropower generation shortfalls. Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, announced that during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit from September 4 to 6, 2024, a special Zambia Power Development Forum will be held in Beijing. The forum aims to explore solutions for Zambia’s persistent power shortages and will feature discussions among Chinese and Zambian stakeholders from the power and financial sectors. Ambassador Han highlighted that over the past 25 years, China has invested significantly in power infrastructure, including… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity Infrastructural Development

U.S. Invests $15.5 Million in DRC’s Electricity Infrastructure Through Power Africa Initiative

August 20, 2024August 20, 2024 Constance

The United States has announced a $15.5 million investment to enhance electricity services in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) over the next four years. This funding is part of Project Power Africa, a presidential initiative launched in 2013 to improve access to reliable electricity and support economic growth in sub-Saharan Africa. Richard Nelson, Power Africa Coordinator, shared the news during a press briefing in Kinshasa. He explained that Power Africa collaborates with local stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and community organizations, to implement tailored solutions for the DRC’s… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity

ASADHO Accuses DRC’s National Electricity Company of Embezzling Over $938 Million

August 18, 2024August 18, 2024 Constance

The African Association for the Defense of Human Rights (ASADHO) has accused the National Electricity Company (SNEL) of embezzling more than $938.7 million, including over $114.9 million in unpaid duties and taxes and $823.8 million in fines. In a press release issued on August 12, ASADHO stated that this amount is owed to the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) in connection with the importation of electrical energy for mining companies operating in the Lualaba and Haut-Katanga provinces. The alleged misappropriation spans a period of 10 years, from 2014… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

President Hichilema Launches 300MW Maamba Power Plant Expansion

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024 Constance

Maamba Energy Ltd and Zambia’s energy sector celebrated a significant milestone as President Hakainde Hichilema officially commissioned the Phase Two expansion of a 300MW thermal power plant at a groundbreaking ceremony in Maamba. This project is crucial for meeting Zambia’s energy demands and enhancing regional energy trade. Maamba Energy Ltd, a joint venture between ZCCM-IH (35%) and Nava Bharat (65%), is dedicated to providing reliable and sustainable energy solutions for the country. President Hichilema urged all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the project, underscoring its importance for Zambia’s… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

Kariba Dam Repairs Near Completion, Promising Relief for Energy Shortages in Zambia and Zimbabwe

August 8, 2024August 8, 2024 Constance

Engineers at the Kariba Dam have successfully completed repairs to the structure’s plunge pool and have begun refilling it with water. Minister of Energy Makozo Chikote announced that repairs to the dam are now 75% complete, a significant development for Zambia’s energy sector. During a visit to the dam on Wednesday, the minister stated that the plunge pool repairs represent a crucial step in addressing the energy shortages affecting both Zambia and Zimbabwe in recent months. The dam, jointly operated by the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe, generates 2,010 MW… Read More Here