Eureka Gold Mine has commissioned the first 5.4MW phase of its planned 16.4MW solar power plant after investing US$4.5 million, as the gold producer moves to strengthen electricity security and reduce exposure to grid disruptions, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Ryan Chigoche
The solar project, being developed by Dallaglio Investments, a subsidiary of Padenga Holdings, is expected to cost between US$12 million and US$15 million when fully completed.
Once operational at full capacity, the facility will generate 16.4MW of electricity, with about 8.2MW expected to be exported to the national grid through Zimbabwe’s net metering framework.
The first phase consists of 42 solar panel arrays, seven inverters, and a 5.5MW substation supplying electricity directly to the mine. The project uses solar tracking technology, allowing generation to continue for between 10 and 11 hours daily, compared with about six hours from conventional fixed solar installations.
The investment comes as mining companies increasingly develop their own power solutions to manage electricity supply challenges that have affected production across the sector.
Reliable electricity is critical for mining operations, particularly processing plants that require continuous power to maintain production. Power interruptions can reduce plant utilisation, delay processing schedules, and increase costs through greater reliance on diesel generation.
For Eureka, the solar project is expected to improve operational reliability while reducing dependence on alternative power sources during periods of grid instability.
Beyond supplying the mine, the completed facility will also contribute additional electricity capacity to Zimbabwe’s power system, with surplus generation expected to be exported to the national grid.
Eureka’s investment reflects a wider shift among mining companies towards captive power generation as producers seek greater control over one of their most important operating inputs.
Several mining companies in Zimbabwe have also moved to invest in renewable energy solutions. Platinum producers and lithium operations have been developing solar projects and other energy initiatives to support expanding production capacity and reduce exposure to power supply risks.
The push for independent power generation comes as the mining sector targets increased output and beneficiation, both of which require stable and affordable electricity supplies.
The solar development adds to the broader redevelopment of Eureka Gold Mine under Dallaglio Investments. The operation has undergone significant investment in recent years to restore production and establish itself as one of Zimbabwe’s modern gold producers.
With the first phase now commissioned, Eureka joins a growing number of mining companies investing in energy infrastructure as access to reliable electricity becomes increasingly important to sustaining production growth and improving operational efficiency.
