AngloGold Ashanti, a leader in gold mining, is making significant strides in decarbonization. The company is advancing renewable energy projects at its Geita mine in Tanzania and the Tropicana mine in Australia. Additionally, a substantial solar project in Ghana, home to the Obuasi mine, is also on the horizon.
According to a report by Mining Weekly, the Geita mine, located in Tanzania’s Lake Victoria goldfields, is undergoing a crucial transformation. The site traditionally relied on diesel generators and is transitioning to grid power. This grid comprises a mix of environment-friendly energies, including a significant portion of hydropower.
This move aligns with the company’s broader strategy, as seen with the renewables investment at the Tropicana mine in Western Australia. Stewart Bailey, AngloGold’s Senior VP of Investor Relations and Group Communications explained the shift to Mining Weekly. “We’re transitioning Geita to the national grid, with its higher proportion of alternative energy sources. Diesel generators will remain for backup,” he said.
The switch to grid power in Geita is set to reduce the site’s emissions significantly. “We expect to see the full benefits of this by mid-next year. It’s not only an emissions reduction move but also a tariff reduction one,” Bailey added.
Following Tropicana’s lead, the next focus is Ghana. AngloGold envisions a large-scale solar project, with more details expected in the New Year.
The agreement with Pacific Energy at Tropicana marks a major step in renewable energy in Australia’s natural resource sector. This project includes building and operating 62 MW of wind and solar generation capacity at the site.
AngloGold CEO Alberto Calderon highlighted the importance of these projects. “Our renewables project at Tropicana is crucial for our climate goals, energy security, and reducing natural gas consumption,” he stated.
In 2022, AngloGold announced plans to cut Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 30% by 2030. This ambitious goal involves renewable energy projects and initiatives to improve efficiency or use lower-emission power sources.
The Tropicana renewable energy solution, integrated into the existing 54 MW gas-fired power station, includes wind turbines, photovoltaic panels, and a battery storage system. This infrastructure will slash the mine’s natural gas consumption by about 50%. The completion of the Tropicana project is expected in early 2025.
AngloGold’s third-quarter gold production in 2023 increased, with significant gains in Africa. The Iduapriem mine saw a 27% increase, Siguiri 22%, and Kibali 13%, mainly due to higher ore processing.
