In The Spotlight
Secure on-site power will be critical to DRC mining growth (Image source: Adobe Stock)
On-site power pivotal to Ivanhoe’s DRC ambitions
Ivanhoe Energy is advancing its on-site power projects for the Kipushi and Kamoa-Kakula mine sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
Kipushi is set to become the world’s fourth-largest zinc producer in 2026, the Canadian mining group said in a 4 June statement.
It achieved a monthly production record of 25,677 tonnes of zinc in concentrate during May.
Year-to-date zinc production totals approximately 110,000 tonnes of zinc, it added.
Annualised, this is equivalent to around the mid-point of the company’s 2026 production guidance range of 240,000 to 290,000 tonnes.
Kipushi is now tendering for a dedicated solar project with up to 200 megawatt hours (MWh) of battery energy storage (BESS).
The facility would provide 10MW of baseload power, reducing reliance on the backup diesel generators that are used intermittently.
The facility is to be located on a 70-hectare site near the mine, and it is expected to be operational by the end of 2027.
Construction of Kipushi’s second tailings storage facility expansion is now nearing completion as the mine site expands.
Separately, Ivanhoe Energy recently posted an update on its other major DRC energy project to expand the Kamoa-Kakula copper complex.
Construction of Kamoa-Kakula’s on-site solar (PV) facility, with battery storage, is advancing on schedule, the company reported on 6 May.
The two facilities are expected to be operational, delivering a total baseload of 60MW to the site, from early Q3 2026.
The solar facility is already the largest solar project with battery storage on the African continent.
Kamoa-Kakula is further planning to increase the total on-site solar power generation capacity, with battery storage, to 120MW by the end of 2027.
A tender was awarded, and a power purchase agreement (PPA) was signed in late April for an initial 30MW expansion of the existing on-site solar facilities.
A further 30MW facility is being tendered and is expected to be awarded imminently.
Preparations have also been made across the group to secure on-site diesel supplies in the event of continued global supply chain disruptions.
This includes Kamoa-Kakula securing five months’ worth of diesel supply.
The company reported that its use of backup diesel generators is to be curtailed to rationalise diesel consumption, amid higher fuel prices and supply chain challenges.
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Mining's decarbonisation journey starts now
The new on-site power facilities in Angola (Image source: Margen S.p.A.)
On-site power for Angolan cold storage facility
Italy’s Margen S.p.A. has completed a project in Angola to supply a total of more than 4.5 MVA of on-site power to underpin food security in the country
The project involved the shipment of two high-capacity power plants, each of 2,270 kVA, designed and tested in-house to meet a critical need: ensuring uninterrupted energy backup for the African country’s large cold storage facilities.
Powered by heavy-duty Perkins motors, the two high-capacity units are designed to ensure immediate response and continuous cooling, protecting temperature-sensitive products from any network instability.
“Reliability is essential when food safety is at stake,” a company statement noted.
“In contexts where the stability of the cold chain is directly related to the security of supply, the choice of heavy-duty Perkins engines is strategic, configured to ensure immediate response times and total operational resilience even in the presence of an unstable national electricity grid,” Margen S.p.A. reported in a recent social media post.
“This order is not only a logistical milestone, but also reaffirms the company's technological ability to customise MPS power plant solutions for complex global infrastructures, where the protection of temperature-sensitive goods leaves no margin for error,” it added.
“By exporting innovation from its headquarters to emerging markets, Margen confirms itself as a strategic partner for major international development projects, enhancing the technical rigour and reliability of ‘Made in Italy’ at every latitude.”
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Eskom advances flagship gas-to-power project
Liberia advances clean energy with solar commissioning
Boakai commissions Mount Coffee solar plant
A new 20-megawatt solar power plant at Mount Coffee has been commissioned, strengthening Liberia’s push toward cleaner and more reliable electricity supply
The commissioning of the project marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national energy infrastructure, coming less than two years after President Joseph Boakai broke ground on October 11, 2024. The development reflects steady progress under the Government’s broader agenda to expand reliable electricity access and modernise power systems across the country.
The project comprises a newly constructed 20 MW solar photovoltaic facility and forms part of wider plans to expand the Mount Coffee Hydropower Plant by an additional 42 MW.
Speaking at the dedication ceremony, President Boakai described the solar facility as a major addition to Liberia’s energy infrastructure and a significant step toward increasing access to reliable and affordable electricity across the country.
The President noted that the project supports his Administration’s efforts to expand infrastructure, stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for Liberians.
He explained that inadequate and expensive electricity has long hindered economic growth, discouraged investment, and limited the delivery of essential services. He emphasized that reliable electricity is vital for hospitals, schools, businesses, agriculture, mining, manufacturing, and other productive sectors of the economy.
President Boakai also announced that his Administration secured an additional US$57mn in World Bank financing in March 2026 to further strengthen Liberia’s energy sector. The funding will support the expansion of solar generation capacity from 20 to 30 MW, the installation of a 12 MW battery energy storage system, and additional upgrades at the Mount Coffee facility.
The President disclosed that 22 MW of lost generation capacity at Mount Coffee have already been restored and revealed plans to further expand the hydropower facility by an additional 42 MW.
Highlighting the broader impact of expanded electricity access, President Boakai said the solar farm represents an investment in economic growth, job creation, improved public safety, and a more resilient future. He added that efforts are underway to strengthen transmission and distribution systems so that more communities across Liberia can benefit from reliable electricity services.
President Boakai further noted that, under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development, the Government is investing in energy, roads, ports, digital connectivity, and water systems. He stressed that increased electricity generation is essential for industrialization, value addition, private-sector growth, and the development of a vibrant 24-hour economy capable of creating opportunities for young Liberians.
The project is part of the Regional Emergency Solar Power Intervention (RESPITE), an initiative launched in April 2022 by the World Bank and the Governments of Liberia and Sierra Leone to address electricity shortages and accelerate renewable energy development across West Africa.
Lesotho energy plan targets gigawatt scale
Convalt signs Lesotho deal for integrated energy push
Convalt Energy Inc.has signed a binding Memorandum of Agreement with the Government of Lesotho to explore the development of renewable energy and digital infrastructure projects in the country
Under the proposed framework, Convalt US plans to develop up to 1.2 GW of power generation capacity, around 4.6 GW of solar energy projects, including both ground-mounted and floating solar installations, up to 4 GWh of battery energy storage systems (BESS), and support the development of a large-scale data centre.
Hari Harry Achuthan, CEO of Convalt Energy, said the company has been repositioning its strategy toward integrated infrastructure solutions tailored for AI-driven and energy-intensive sectors.
He added that the company is expanding its capabilities by leveraging the development and manufacturing expertise of its leadership team, and is moving across the value chain from infrastructure development and advanced manufacturing, particularly in solar, to data centre infrastructure. He said the partnership with Lesotho aims to deliver clean energy, employment opportunities and broader economic development.
The progression of the project is subject to standard development requirements, including feasibility assessments, permitting, financing arrangements, regulatory approvals and final project agreements. The Lesotho project entity is expected to be housed under Convalt International, a proposed holding structure for the company’s international assets, pending completion of corporate and regulatory processes.
Projects under Convalt International may incorporate products manufactured by Convalt US where commercially viable and are expected to be financed through a mix of equity investment, multilateral development finance institutions, strategic partners and international project finance structures.
If the project proceeds successfully and all technical, commercial and regulatory conditions are met, Convalt US may supply solar modules for the development. Preliminary estimates suggest deliveries could begin as early as Q4 2028 and continue over several years, although no binding supply agreements have been signed and final terms may differ significantly from current expectations.
The statement also notes that it contains forward-looking information based on current assumptions and projections, which are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially.
Eskom keen on gas power (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Eskom advances flagship gas-to-power project
Condra’s managing director, Marc Kleiner (Image source: Condra)
Condra expands crane maintenance scheme
Crane and hoist manufacturer Condra has expanded its maintenance programme to include hands-on training for customers’ own service personnel
The company is also to introduce remote diagnostics for on-screen assistance at isolated sites, rolling out these improvements at installations in Saudi Arabia and in all African countries where Condra has a presence.
Over time, the diagnostics will combine with remote specialist oversight to aid repairs by the customer’s own technicians.
Electricians at Condra’s factories already add diagnostic chips to frequency drives during crane manufacture — the plan is to extend this capability to other crane components, delivering on-screen assistance to any site with an internet signal.
Until now, Condra’s maintenance programme has incorporated only selected agents and technical teams from its own factories.
In future, where customers have their own maintenance crews, it will be these personnel who will execute this type of work, helped either by visiting teams, or remotely by specialists at Condra’s technical centre in Johannesburg.
On-demand emergency repairs will continue to be managed by Condra technicians sent to site.
Marc Kleiner, Condra’s managing director, said the goal is to lower the customer’s service costs and to further improve machine uptime and productivity.
“We want to expand the capabilities of our customers’ maintenance personnel, who sometimes have difficulty repairing to OEM standard,” he said.
“We will work with them to identify the wrinkles, then let them get on with fixing those while our own people identify potential wear and take steps to correct it.”
Kleiner said that Condra teams would execute repairs only after quoting. Once accepted, support staff at Condra’s head office would then assemble spare parts and arrange all export documentation for shipping. Spares lists would normally include parts needed for the long term, based on predictions of likely wear.
“The idea is that a Condra team will oversee the mine’s own service personnel wherever possible, helping them carry out the repair themselves,” Kleiner said. “This will allow hands-on training under specialist direction.
“What we’re trying to overcome is the too-common practice of working a machine until it fails, then buying a new one, something often seen in mining applications.
“What we’re saying is this: If you buy the correct machine in the first place and look after it by carrying out scheduled maintenance, the life expectancy of your machine will increase along with your financial return. But if you wait until that machine breaks down, production will have to stop while you wait for the spares to arrive. This is not clever. With a little bit of support from our side, your machine will run more reliably and for much longer, and production can continue uninterrupted.”
Outlining the improved schedule, Kleiner said Condra will re-visit Ivory Coast and Angola during July and August, followed by Zambia and Namibia. After that will come Sierra Leone. Other countries appearing on the schedule include Liberia, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Botswana, DRC, Mauritania, Ghana, Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Senegal.
Twelve service teams will carry out these visits (up from two teams five years ago), each one comprising either an electrical specialist accompanied by mechanical assistant, or vice versa.
Expanding on Condra’s plans for remote diagnostics, Kleiner said the company would work in conjunction with specialists in England and Australia to allow customers to receive prompt assistance in most of the world’s time zones, combining a phone call with on-screen visuals presented to the customer’s technicians at the installation site.
“We want to develop a library of repair videos to complement this diagnostic service,” he said.
“The idea is that, long term, Condra teams will be present for critical support only. We will achieve this through proactive maintenance schedules supported by remote fault diagnosis, and complemented by instructional repair videos.”
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Kumba accelerates mines with renewable energy partnership
Navigating mining decarbonisation (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Mining’s decarbonisation journey starts now
As global scrutiny intensifies, mining companies are faced with a seemingly insurmountable task; ensuring their environmental, social and governance (ESG) pledges translate into measurable and sustainable impact
The above is also echoed by the South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM) which emphasises: “ESG is not only a responsible approach to business but a strategic imperative for long-term success.”
Cecil Maartens, account manager, MMM Segment for SSA at Schneider Electric, notes this urgency is being driven by a convergence of forces: “Mining companies are facing simultaneous pressure from investors, regulators and customers to reduce carbon emissions while improving operational resilience.
“Scope 1 & 2 emissions, direct from the source we own and indirect from energy we buy are increasingly tied to financing, permitting and even market access,” he says.
This move is fundamentally reshaping how mining organisations operate. Decarbonisation is strategic, evolving beyond its former compliance tick-box status. “Companies that can demonstrate lower emissions and stronger sustainability credentials are the ones that will attract capital and partnerships,” says Maartens.
The real differentiator lies in execution and, encouragingly, many mining houses are moving beyond ambition, actively embedding decarbonisation into their operational strategies.
Maartens cites examples within the sector where dedicated sustainability teams are aligning decarbonisation roadmaps with enterprise asset management and operational KPIs. “ESG roadmaps are now integrated into core business performance metrics, with accountability at senior levels.”
A similar transition is also underway in energy-intensive industries such as steel and other materials processing.
Sibongile Thobakgale, KAM Strategic, MMM for SSA at Schneider Electric highlights that sectors like steel, cement and glass are experiencing comparable pressures. “These industries are among the most carbon-intensive globally, and decarbonisation is being driven by regulatory requirements, market expectations and rapid technological advancements,” she says.
Technology enables low-carbon mining
Across mining and heavy industry, technology is playing a central role in enabling low-carbon operations.
However, as the adage goes “start at the very beginning, a very good place to start”, it is also important to understand the current state of operation. Here, Maartens reckons, digital maturity assessments and energy baselining allow organisations to identify inefficiencies and prioritise interventions.
From there, integrated platforms can bring together energy management, automation and real-time operational data to drive continuous improvement.
“Digitalisation is critical as it enables mining companies to model energy consumption, simulate different electrification scenarios and quantify the impact of renewable integration before making large-scale investment,” says Maartens.
On the ground, this translates into a range of practical interventions. Hybrid microgrids, supported by battery energy storage systems, are helping mines integrate renewable energy while maintaining reliability.
Also, electrification initiatives and more energy-efficient equipment, such as advanced variable speed drives (low harmonic-enabled VSDs), are also contributing to reduced consumption.
At the same time, asset lifecycle management engagement processes and approaches, intelligent IB (Installed Base) audits and assessments and understanding asset and reliability management including retrofits and eco-fits are extending asset lifecycle while lowering environmental impact.
Thobakgale adds that in broader industrial contexts, automation is also evolving to support decarbonisation. “Software-defined automation is improving process efficiency and reliability, particularly in energy-intensive operations. This is essential forvmaintaining productivity while reducing emissions,’’ she notes.
The growing role of advisory services
While technology is a critical enabler, both Maartens and Thobakgale emphasise that successful decarbonisation requires a structured, strategic approach, an area where advisory services are becoming increasingly important.
“Sustainability assessments and services like Schneider Electric SE Electrification Advisory Services help companies quantify their emissions, benchmark performance and identify the most effective pathways forward,” says Thobakgale. “It also plays an important role in unlocking capital and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.”
These services go beyond one-off evaluations. Instead, they form part of an ongoing process of monitoring, optimisation and alignment with long-term ESG goals. “Decarbonisation is not a once-off project. It’s a journey that requires ongoing measurement, adaptation and improvement across the entire value chain creating and ensuring long-term strategic partnership” adds Maartens.
Looking ahead, ESG considerations are set to play an even more decisive role in shaping the future of mining. Both Maartens and Thobakgale agree that sustainability will increasingly influence investment decisions, operational strategies and industry dynamics.
“Capital will flow towards companies that can demonstrate credible decarbonisation pathways,” says Thobakgale. “Those that delay ESG integration risk losing competitiveness and access to funding.”
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