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 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, and of building 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
Not stated.

Latest Developments
The first PV solar plant to be completed and commissioned by a mining company in South Africa is on track to produce 100% steady-state power generation by May, midtier gold producer Pan African Resources investor relations head Hethen Hira has said.

Hira says renewable-energy specialists juwi Renewable Energies – the main contractor on the project – is expected to complete hot commissioning for 60% of the PV plant by the end of March.

The mine will still rely on grid power because the initial 10 MW solar plant will provide only 30% of its required capacity.

In anticipation of the PV plant’s positive impact, the company has started the feasibility work on extending Evander Mines’ solar facility by an estimated 12 MW ac.

The additional PV panels will bring the PV plant’s generation capacity to about 21.98 MW ac from solar energy when in full operation, which will be used to complement the grid supply in terms of powering its expanding underground operations.

“As soon as the board approves the funding for the development, work on the extension will start without delay.”

Hira has indicated that the development will require a bigger area for additional solar panels, which Evander Mines can provide.

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

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