Name of the Project
Elikhulu solar photovoltaic (PV) power project.

Location
Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Pan African Resources.

Project Description
Pan African has approved the development of a 10 MW solar PV project at the plant of its Evander Mines.

The solar PV plant will use bifacial module technology to maximise its yield and will be built on previously disturbed land owned by Evander Mines. The plant will provide an estimated 30% of the Elikhulu Tailings Retreatment Plant’s power requirement during daylight hours and is expected to materially reduce electricity costs at this operation.

The project will prevent the emission of more than 26 000 t of carbon dioxide in the first year of its operation.

The gold miner is also assessing the merits of expanding the Evander Mines’ solar PV plant in future to provide a clean energy feed for its Egoli project, as well as the potential to build a similar solar PV plant at the group’s Barberton Mines.

Potential Job Creation
The project is expected to create job opportunities in local communities.

Capital Expenditure
R140-million.

Planned Start/End Date
Construction on the solar PV plant will start in the first quarter of 2021, with first power expected in the third quarter.

Latest Developments
Pan African has contracted juwi South Africa to construct the solar PV plant in the first quarter of 2021. Civil works and the procurement of major components have started and commissioning is expected in the third calendar quarter of 2021.

The solar PV will provide an estimated 30% of Elikhulu’s power requirements, resulting in a reduction of fossil fuel-generated power.

A feasibility study for a similar solar PV plant at Barberton Mines is being undertaken.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Arup (bankable feasibility study); juwi South Africa (EPC); Green Yellow; DRA; Building Energy; Scatec Solar; Sturdee Energy; Clean Energy Africa.

Contact Details for Project Information
Pan African Resources, Juanita Maijsen, tel + 27 11 243 2900 or email ExecPA@paf.co.za.