DRC signs an agreement to renovate the old Mpiana-Mwanga hydroelectric plant

The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo has signed an agreement with AVZ Minerals to investigate a possible renovation of the old Mpiana-Mwanga hydroelectric plant.

The Ministry of Hydraulic Resources and Energy made the announcement and said that the memorandum of understanding has paved way for carrying out feasibility studies. The plant is located 85 km from the Manono lithium and tin project.

The Mpiana Mwanga Hydroelectric plant was originally established in 1993 to support a local tin mine but was later destroyed in 1982 after the mine was closed down.

According to a statement issued by AVZ, the energy project presents itself as a future energy source for its rapidly advancing lithium project, which has the largest lithium resource not yet developed in the world today.

If rehabilitated, the Mpiana-Mwanga hydroelectric plant will be able to supply up to 54Mw of electricity. It will be a cheaper option than the diesel-powered generation. In addition, the plant is likely to provide enough energy for the AVZ mining field, the neighboring city of Manono and any future expansion of the mine, including a possible future 25Ktpa hydroxide plant.

“Controlling the repair of the hydroelectric plant allows the Company to develop the hydroelectric plant in phases aligned with the AVZ mine expansion program, with the first phase providing approximately 18 MW of electricity from two turbines.

 “We can then expand the existing power station, which has a capacity for six turbines, to provide additional electricity for our expanded DMS operation plus flotation and, finally, our third expansion phase – establishment of a hydroxide plant – with a combined need. Approximately 54Mw of electricity, “said AVZ.