Platinum producer Zimplats has commenced construction of its US$54 million Phase 2A solar power plant, marking another major step in its journey toward energy self-sufficiency and reduced dependence on the national grid, Mining Zimbabwe reports.
By Ryan Chigoche
According to the company’s quarterly report for the period ending September 30, 2025, Zimplats invested US$12 million in the project during the quarter, with an additional US$36 million already committed. The 45MW Phase 2A plant is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027, bringing the miner’s total installed solar capacity to 80MW once operational.
This follows the successful commissioning of the 35MW Phase 1A solar plant in August 2024—a key milestone in the company’s broader renewable energy strategy aimed at stabilising power supply and cutting carbon emissions.
“Following the successful commissioning of the Phase 1A 35MW solar plant in August 2024, the company commenced implementation of the Phase 2A 45MW solar plant in the quarter. The project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2027 at a total project cost of US$54 million and will increase total solar power generation to 80MW. A total of US$12 million had been spent and a further US$36 million committed as of 30 September 2025,” Zimplats said in the quarterly report.
The new solar development forms part of Zimplats’ multi-phase renewable energy rollout, which aligns with Zimbabwe’s national energy policy to diversify the country’s power mix through sustainable energy investments.
The initiative is expected not only to strengthen energy security for Zimplats’ mining and smelting operations but also to contribute surplus power to the national grid in the long term.
Industry observers say Zimplats’ solar investments could set a new benchmark for other large-scale miners seeking to cushion their operations from ongoing power supply challenges.
Across Zimbabwe, several mining firms are increasingly turning to renewable energy to stabilise production and ease pressure on the struggling national grid. Caledonia Mining’s Blanket Mine, for instance, commissioned a 12.2MW solar plant in 2023 at a cost of around US$14 million. Similarly, Turk Mine in the Bubi District has rolled out a 4.4MW solar farm, while Prospect Lithium Zimbabwe (PLZ) has started developing a 70MW power station to support its lithium operations.
In the cement sector, PPC Zimbabwe has announced plans to establish two solar plants worth US$40 million, with a combined capacity of 30MW—20MW in Colleen Bawn and 10MW in Bulawayo.
Meanwhile, Zimplats continues to progress with its Mupani Mine development, which will replace the depleted Rukodzi and Ngwarati mines. The project targets full-scale production of 3.6 million tonnes per annum by the 2029 financial year. As of September 30, 2025, the company had spent US$352 million out of a US$386 million project budget.
During the quarter under review, mined volumes dipped 1% from the previous quarter but remained steady year-on-year. A decline in high-grade ore from Rukodzi Mine and increased production from lower-grade ore at South Pit contributed to a 2% decrease in 6E head grade compared to the same period last year, while higher development tonnage from Bimha and Mupani mines led to a 1% quarterly decline.
Zimplats’ continued investments in renewable energy and mine development underscore its long-term commitment to sustainable production and energy resilience in Zimbabwe’s mining industry.
