Electricity - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Power Crisis in Southeast DRC Disrupts Mining Operations

November 30, 2024November 30, 2024 Constance

The mining sector in the southeast of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is grappling with a severe power shortage, stemming from disruptions in electricity supply from neighboring Zambia. The crisis, which began on November 24, 2024, has left mining operations—critical to the DRC’s economy—in a vulnerable state. Zambia, a key electricity supplier to the DRC, is facing dwindling water levels at its hydropower dams and delays in expanding its energy infrastructure. These challenges have led to widespread power restrictions. Meanwhile, the DRC’s own hydropower capacity is strained by rising… Read More Here

Zambian Miners Rescued Following Nationwide Power Outage

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Constance

Miners trapped underground at two copper mines in Zambia were safely rescued after a nationwide power outage disrupted operations, the country’s Ministry of Energy reported on Monday. The blackout occurred on Sunday due to a “power system disturbance,” according to state utility Zesco. The outage also affected neighboring Zimbabwe, highlighting the region’s ongoing energy challenges exacerbated by the worst drought in decades, which has severely impacted hydropower generation. Zambia’s Energy Permanent Secretary, Peter Mumba, confirmed that miners were trapped at Mopani Copper Mines, majority-owned by the United Arab Emirates’ International… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity News in Brief

Nationwide Power Outage Hits Zambia

November 25, 2024November 25, 2024 Constance

Zambia experienced a nationwide power outage on Sunday due to a “power system disturbance,” according to the state-owned utility company, Zesco. The incident occurred at approximately 18:15 GMT, resulting in a complete loss of power across the country. Zesco stated that efforts to address the unplanned outage were underway, with the restoration of power supply in progress. Further updates on the cause of the disturbance and the timeline for full restoration are expected. Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity

DRC Mining Sector Loses Billions Due to Energy Deficit

November 24, 2024November 24, 2024 Constance

Over the past five years, approximately $4 billion in potential revenue has bypassed the National Electricity Company (SNEL) due to the country’s chronic energy shortages. Fabrice Lusinde, the General Manager of SNEL, revealed this alarming figure during the Makutano Forum, shedding light on the significant energy deficit impacting the mining sector. According to Lusinde, mining companies currently purchase around $800 million worth of energy from SNEL annually. However, in addition to this, they import electricity worth $200 million from southern Africa and spend an additional $500 to $600 million on… Read More Here

Sponsored Content Electricity Mining in Zambia

Strengthening Zambia’s Economy with Reliable Power Solutions Across Sectors

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Zambia’s ongoing energy crisis presents a significant challenge to economic stability, impacting the productivity and viability of key sectors, including manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and commercial enterprises. Frequent power outages disrupt critical operations, reduce output, and hinder economic growth. Recognising the need for dependable power solutions, DGC Africa has formed a joint venture with Talisman Hire to establish Talisman Hire Kitwe. This collaboration offers both generator rentals and sales to provide businesses with reliable, adaptable power solutions that mitigate the impacts of the country’s energy shortages, helping sustain essential operations across… Read More Here

International Electricity

Zimbabwe’s Cost-Reflective Tariffs Drive Energy Investments Amid Power Crisis

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

Zimbabwe’s adoption of cost-reflective tariffs has triggered a surge in energy sector investments aimed at alleviating the nation’s ongoing power shortages. Since the tariff adjustment in December 2023, energy projects totaling 3,000 MW are under development, according to Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority (ZESA) chairperson Sydney Gata. “Immediately after the tariffs were corrected, we engaged industry, particularly mining, encouraging them to invest in electricity infrastructure,” Gata said at an energy summit in Victoria Falls. Miners were urged to take responsibility for their energy needs instead of relying on government subsidies. “To… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Zambia and Zimbabwe Urged to Diversify Energy Sources Amid Kariba Dam Crisis

November 21, 2024November 21, 2024 Constance

A significant drop in water levels at the world’s largest man-made reservoir, the Kariba Dam, has left Zambia and Zimbabwe without power for hours, underscoring the need for both countries to diversify their energy sources, according to Zambia’s Energy Minister Makozo Chikote. “The over-dependence on hydropower has exposed the vulnerability of our energy mix,” Chikote said. “This has been a wake-up call, prompting us to consider alternative energy sources,” he added during an energy summit in Victoria Falls on Monday. The Kariba Dam, which provides the majority of electricity to… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity Hydro power plant

Zambia Targets Hydropower Expansion to Power Mining Growth

November 14, 2024November 14, 2024 Constance

Zambia is advancing plans to harness alternative hydropower sources on the Zambezi River as part of a long-term strategy to meet the growing energy demands of its mining industry. At the recent Critical Minerals Africa 2024 summit, Sokwani William Chilembo, CEO of the Zambia Chamber of Mines, emphasized that hydropower projects in Zambia’s Northern Watershed will be prioritized due to the area’s resilience against droughts and El Niño conditions. “By developing hydropower in these regions, we can supplement it with coal from Lake Kariba’s southern shores and additional solar energy,”… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Zesco Introduces New 7-Hour Daily Power Rationing Schedule in Zambia

November 8, 2024November 8, 2024 Constance

Zesco has announced a new power rationing schedule in Zambia, aiming to ensure a consistent 7-hour daily power supply for its customers. The update, shared by Zesco’s Corporate Affairs Department, seeks to improve service reliability by strategically optimizing power imports and maximizing contributions from Independent Power Producers. In its statement, Zesco clarified that while the utility is committed to upholding this schedule, it relies on the availability of imported power and may face unexpected challenges. Should disruptions occur, Zesco will issue real-time updates through SMS, its Facebook page, and other… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Tanzania to Establish Power Grid Connection with Zambia to Alleviate Drought-Induced Power Shortages

October 27, 2024October 27, 2024 Constance

Tanzania is advancing plans to establish a power grid connection with Zambia to help address Zambia’s drought-related power shortages, announced Deputy Prime Minister Doto Biteko at the Singapore International Energy Week. “We have interconnectors with our neighbors—Rwanda, Burundi, and Kenya—and now we are establishing an interconnector with Zambia to assist our neighbor during this severe drought,” said Biteko, who also serves as the Minister of Energy. As a member of the Eastern African Power Pool, Tanzania has access to a broader market, allowing it to sell surplus electricity to neighboring… Read More Here