JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – South African mining company Vedanta Zinc International has begun the first phase of a renewable energy programme.

The company has signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) with independent power producer Enernet Global to build, own, operate and maintain a 12 MW direct current solar photovoltaic plant for Vedanta Zinc International’s Black Mountain Mining operations in the Northern Cape.

Construction of the solar plant, which will generate about 29 GWh of electricity a year, is scheduled to start in the first quarter of 2024 and take nine months to complete.

Along with construction, the 25-year operational tenor of the plant is poised to generate direct and indirect employment opportunities for communities within the Khâi-Ma municipal area and the broader Namakwa district.

Through its renewable energy programme of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy reliability and security, Vedanta Zinc International has further decarbonisation advancement on the way, with Phase 2 of the programme encompassing entry into a new PPA.

Executive director and CFO Pushpender Singla highlighted environmental, social and governance (ESG) as the company’s key focus. “In line with our agenda to transform the planet for the greater good, we have committed to reducing carbon emissions by 35 000 t and installing 76% renewable energy by 2027. Our goal is carbon neutrality by 2040,” Singla stated in a release to Mining Weekly.

Enernet MD Africa Bart Haverkamp expressed excitement at being the company’s long-term partner for power on its decarbonisation journey, working together on the roadmap, phasing and roll-out of renewables.

The mining company's ESG thrusts are on community programmes, workplace enhancement and green zinc advancement.