Zimplats splashes $54M on solar as power woes bite
Zimplats has started building a 45-megawatt solar facility worth $54 million as the platinum miner works toward energy independence and reduced dependence on Zimbabwe’s electrical grid. The company spent $12 million during the quarter ending on Sept. 30 and has allocated another $36 million for the Phase 2A project. Construction should finish in early 2027, bringing total solar generation capability to 80 megawatts.
The expansion builds on a 35-megawatt installation that began operations in August 2024. Both developments support the miner’s environmental goals while ensuring reliable electricity for processing operations. The investment matches government priorities for diversifying power sources through renewable projects. Zimplats expects to eventually supply surplus electricity back to the national system.
Other mining companies have pursued similar strategies. Caledonia Mining activated a 12.2-megawatt solar array at Blanket Mine during 2023 for roughly $14 million. Turk Mine operates a 4.4-megawatt installation, while Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe plans a 70-megawatt station. Cement manufacturer PPC Zimbabwe has announced intentions to build two plants totaling 30 megawatts at $40 a combined cost. The initiatives help address persistent shortages affecting industrial users across the country.
