Blanket Mine solar plant starts generating power
Caledonia Mining Corporation Plc is pleased to announce that the new solar plant at Blanket Mine from yesterday started to generate power for the Gwanda-based miner.
In recent years this supply has been subject to load-shedding and unstable power, which has economic and safety implications for an underground mine such as Blanket. During outages or low voltages, the power supply at Blanket had to be supplemented by standby diesel generators to enable uninterrupted mining and capital operations.
Diesel-generated electricity is expensive, subject to an unpredictable supply of diesel and creates an unfavourable environmental footprint. Recognising the economic, environmental and logistical challenges of running large-scale diesel generators for extended periods, Caledonia started constructing the 12.2 MWac solar plant late in 2021. As of yesterday, the solar plant will be providing power to Blanket; in due course, it is expected that the solar plant will provide approximately 27 per cent of Blanket’s average daily electricity demand.
Commenting on the announcement, Mark Learmonth, Chief Executive Officer, said the project will cover 21 per cent of Blanket’s on-mine costs.
“I am delighted that the solar plant is connected to the Blanket grid and from today Blanket will start to receive some of its energy directly from solar.
“With 21 per cent of Blanket’s on-mine costs relating to energy usage, this solar plant is a very important project for the company as it will improve the quality and security of Blanket’s electricity supply and provide environmental benefits through cleaner energy. The solar power will displace more expensive power from the grid and from the diesel generators and is expected to reduce Caledonia’s consolidated cost per ounce of gold produced by approximately $37.”
Blanket has been hailed by Zimbabweans in the mining business as one of the best miners in the country.