Plans to construct the 38-megawatt Mimosa solar power plant to improve the provision of alternative energy for the company’s operations are underway. The plant will support the government’s efforts to minimize carbon emissions, according to Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau Chief. The project will be carried out by Mimosa Mining Company (MMC), a producer of Platinum Group Metals (PGMs).
PPC Zimbabwe will establish a 10MW solar power plant at its Bulawayo plant, with 5MW set aside for internal use as well as the remainder fed into the national grid.
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The country’s shift to investing in clean energy sources in line with commitments to adapt to and mitigate global climate change is backed by the alternative energy project.
Investment in alternative energy projects by such huge companies is expected to go a long way in enabling the company to address power outages. Additionally, the investment will help reduce expensive costs associated with alternative power. It will also improve operational efficiencies at a time when the country and also the region are experiencing subdued energy generation.
Mr. Steve Ndiyamba, general manager of MMC, said that their company must concentrate on renewable energy sources. He also claimed that they should also contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions.
He said that feasibility studies are currently being carried out on the Mimosa solar power plant. One of the results is expected to be the project cost.
Why the company is establishing the Mimosa solar power plant
According to Mr. Ndiyamba, to improve and supply power to the company’s operations, they have put plans in place to construct the power plant.
Furthermore, the company is committing millions of dollars to a plant optimization project to boost production. The country’s aim to achieve a US$12 billion mining industry by 2023 is on track.
The mine is expanding its mining activities and constructing a new tailings dam. It is also enhancing the efficiency of its processing.
A new tailings storage facility is being constructed for US$65 million.
A further US$38 million is being invested by the company in plant optimization. This will improve processing effectiveness. Additionally, it will also increase the amount of mineral ore the mine can recover.
The plant optimization project will be complete by the end of the year. It will boost output by 6% from its current capacity of 2,8 million metric tons of ore annually.
The mine is jointly owned by South African companies Sibanye-Stillwater and Impala Platinum. It is situated near Zvishavane town in the southern part of the Zimbabwean Great Dyke.
