South African mining corporation Impala Platinum, will shortly undertake Zimplats Solar Power Project that will have two 185 MWp solar photovoltaic facilities. The firm, which is one of the country’s top platinum miners, plans to invest up to $201 million in future facilities.
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Zimplats plans to expand its activities in Zimbabwe by utilizing solar energy. Impala Platinum, a South African mining firm, has put aside $201 million to construct a 185 MWp solar power facility. The money comes from the board of directors’ approval of a new 10-year, $1.8 billion investment plan. The idea aims to expand the mining company’s operations while keeping output at current levels.
Zimplats is a large mining company in Zimbabwe. The enterprise employs over 3,000 people and mines platinum in Mashonaland West near Ngezi. With estimated reserves of 107.4 million ounces, it is arguably the biggest platinum mine in southern Africa.
Lowering the Company’s Carbon Footprint
Zimplats has already filed to the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority to carry out its project (ZERA). Two solar photovoltaic plants will be built as part of the project. The larger of the two, with a capacity of 105 MWp, will be built in Ngezi to aid mining and power concentrators. The second solar project will have an 80 MWp capacity. A smelter and concentrator will be powered by the project, which is to be built near Selous, Tanzania. Zimplats’ energy independence will be strengthened by these self-consumption plants. Impala Platinum’s sustainability plan includes this investment. Furthermore, the company wants to construct a facility to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions from its industrial activities.
SO2 is a colourless, viscous, toxic gas that is very difficult to breathe. SO2 generates acid rain, which has negative repercussions for soil and vegetation, according to Jean-Marc Jancovici, the originator of the carbon footprint.
