Electricity - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Kansanshi Mining Reports Strong Financial Results Amid Zambia’s Power Crisis

October 6, 2024October 6, 2024 Constance

Kansanshi Mining, a subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals (FQM), posted impressive financial results for the first half of 2024, driven by higher copper prices and improved ore grades despite ongoing electricity challenges in Zambia. The company recorded a net profit of $117 million, a remarkable recovery from a net loss of $1.1 million during the same period last year. Income tax contributions also surged to $56 million, up from $3.6 million in 2023. Revenue for the half-year increased by 25%, reaching $927 million. This growth was largely due to a… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

Zambia’s Energy Minister Addresses Power Deficit and Solutions

October 4, 2024October 4, 2024 Constance

Hon. Makoso Chikote, Zambia’s Minister of Energy, addressed the nation on the ongoing power deficit, expressing gratitude for citizens’ resilience during this challenging period. He acknowledged that September was particularly difficult, with prolonged power rationing affecting numerous households and businesses. The power shortage is primarily due to three factors: reduced power generation at the Kariba North Bank Power Station, caused by water allocation challenges from the Zambezi River Authority; maintenance work at the 300MW Maamba Energy Power Plant; and technical issues with the power interconnector to Namibia. Minister Chikote announced… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Electricity

ZESCO Enhances Energy Reliability Following Maamba Energy Resumption

October 3, 2024 Constance

ZESCO has announced that it will be able to provide a more reliable and consistent energy supply during the scheduled hours of load shedding starting Wednesday, following the resumption of full operations at Maamba Energy on Tuesday evening. During a media briefing in Lusaka, Transmission Operations and Trade Director Justin Loongo revealed that ZESCO has secured a guaranteed 400 megawatts of power imports during off-peak and standard times. However, he noted that “for peak periods, inputs will depend on availability, and at peak times, all countries want to domesticate power.”… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Electricity

DRC Mining Firms Forced to Import Power Amid Severe Electricity Shortages

September 29, 2024September 29, 2024 Constance

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

Mining in Zambia Electricity Energy

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