Pilanesberg Platinum Mines, a subsidiary of Sedibelo Platinum, has appointed the
juwi/Sturdee Energy consortium as preferred bidder to supply renewable energy to the
mining operation. The parties have signed a Memorandum of Understanding and will now
commence negotiations towards a Power Purchase Agreement.
The renewable energy programme will take the form of two projects:
- A Power Purchase Agreement for a combination of solar PV and wind systems to
power the 40MW mine load via a wheeling arrangement from two separate sites,
one in Limpopo and one in the Western Cape. This project will supply 55-60% of the
mine’s energy needs, and is planned to commence operation in 2024. - The development and construction of a 35MW solar plant at or adjacent to the mine for the direct provision of power to meet the mine’s growing energy needs, and is planned to commence operation in 2026.
Pilanesberg Platinum Mine is situated about 60km north west of Rustenburg on the
western limb of the Bushveld complex. The mine currently produces about 120 000 ounces
of PGMs in concentrate and has recently opened a second surface mine. Plans are under
consideration to transition to underground mining in order to take advantage of higher-grade ores.
Photo by Sam Forson