Zimbabwe’s largest platinum producer, Zimplats, has significantly boosted its renewable energy use to 88%, a notable achievement in its journey towards sustainability, with the increase driven by a combination of hydropower and solar energy, making the company a leader in renewable energy adoption within the country’s mining sector, Mining Zimbabwe can report.
By Rudairo Mapuranga
According to Implats Group CEO Nico Muller, Zimplats completed the construction of a US$37 million, 35MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant in 2024—the first utility-scale solar power plant of its kind in Zimbabwe and within the Implats group.
“Despite some projects being deferred due to depressed metal prices, we completed construction of a US$37 million 35MW solar plant at Zimplats. The plant is now fully operational and connected to the national grid,” Muller said.
Furthermore, Zimplats’ hydropower offtake agreement with Zambia’s Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) was increased from 50MW to 70MW at the beginning of 2024. This raised Zimplats’ overall renewable energy consumption from 67% to an impressive 88%, positioning the company as a benchmark for sustainable energy practices in Zimbabwe.
Zimplats is already looking ahead with plans to begin the next phase of its ambitious 185MW solar project. The solar initiative is being developed in four phases, with the first 35MW phase already exceeding expectations by generating up to 36.5MW. This phase has been fully integrated into the national grid since August 2024.
As part of this ongoing expansion, the next phase will involve a 45MW addition at a cost of US$54 million. The company is currently securing funding for this phase, with agreements expected to be finalized soon. Once completed, the entire project will significantly bolster Zimbabwe’s renewable energy capacity and reduce dependence on non-renewable sources.
Zimplats’ renewable energy push comes at a time when the company is undergoing a broader US$1.8 billion expansion that includes new mining developments and additional processing capacity. The increased reliance on renewable energy sources is crucial for maintaining both operational efficiency and environmental sustainability, particularly as the mining industry faces global pressure to reduce its carbon footprint.
The renewable energy initiative aligns with Zimplats’ strategy to cut operational costs and improve sustainability. The investment in solar power is not just environmentally driven but also economically advantageous, as energy security remains a major concern in Zimbabwe’s power-challenged economy. The solar plant will help offset the impact of inconsistent power supplies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring a more stable energy source for the company’s operations.
However, Zimplats is also navigating challenges within its broader operations. In the first half of its fiscal year, the company reported a 6% revenue decline, falling to US$350.2 million, due to lower production and sales volumes. Processing delays, including increased furnace lockup and the late commissioning of expanded smelter converters, contributed to a 15% reduction in 6E production, with the company producing 279,890 ounces, down from 327,810 ounces in the prior period.
Despite these setbacks, Zimplats remains committed to its long-term growth, with key projects like the smelter expansion and the installation of a sulphur dioxide abatement plant moving towards completion. The new smelter, which will increase processing capacity from 135,000 tonnes of concentrate per year to 380,000 tonnes, is expected to have a positive impact on the company’s output in the coming years.
Zimplats’ renewable energy initiatives underscore its broader commitment to sustainability and corporate responsibility. The use of both solar and hydropower not only helps the company meet its energy needs but also aligns with global trends toward greener mining practices.
With the completion of the first phase of its solar project and the next 45MW phase on the horizon, Zimplats is well-positioned to further reduce its carbon emissions and secure a more sustainable future for its operations. As the largest platinum producer in Zimbabwe, Zimplats’ leadership in renewable energy use sets a strong example for the mining sector and the country as a whole.
In the words of Nico Muller, “These initiatives are part of our broader vision to create a more sustainable and resilient operation, ensuring that we can continue to meet our production goals while minimizing our environmental impact.”
Zimplats’ continued investments in renewable energy and innovative technologies place it at the forefront of the mining sector’s transition towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. The company’s proactive approach to tackling energy challenges ensures its competitiveness in the evolving global market, while contributing positively to Zimbabwe’s economic and environmental landscape.
