Key Points
- Harmony Gold is investing in renewable energy to reduce risks.
- The solar project will create jobs and benefit local communities.
- The company is aiming for carbon net-zero by 2045.
The primary source of funding for the development of three solar photovoltaic (PV) renewable-energy facilities at Harmony Gold’s Moab Khotsong gold mine in North West province, close to Orkney, is an R1.5 billion green loan facility that the company obtained in 2022.
Harmony Gold secures green loan for solar energy project.
Permits and environmental authorisations have been obtained for the “Triple Solar Phase 2” project, which will have a combined peak capacity of 100 MW.
In a statement to Mining Weekly, departing Harmony CEO Peter Steenkamp stated, “It’s critical we continue to decarbonise while reducing our energy supply risk and exposure to above-inflation tariff increases.”
On January 1, Group COO Beyers Nel will assume the role of CEO. Our energy mix will be improved by our renewable energy initiative as we strive to achieve carbon net-zero status by 2045.
Investing in sustainable initiatives helps all parties involved, generates employment, and keeps our host communities’ economies thriving,” Steenkamp continued.
A joint venture (JV) between OptiPower and the Cox Group has been given the engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the solar projects.
Local communities benefit from solar plant construction jobs
Local residents in the local municipalities of Matlosana and Moqhaka (Ramolutsi), as well as the neighbouring areas, would benefit from the employment and procurement possibilities created by this JV.
In the host communities, the JV will oversee local procurement, giving preference to Black-owned, Black-women-owned, and Black-youth-owned enterprises. Beyond the building phase, ongoing facility maintenance will create long-term employment prospects.
In addition to hiring fixed-term workers, the JV will provide skill-development programs for in-service trainees, locally hired personnel, and prosperous local businesses.
With an emphasis on empowering local youngsters and encouraging long-term jobs in the expanding renewable-energy sector, a community liaison officer will be recruited to cultivate a cooperative connection between the contractor, community leaders, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Minerals owns a portion of Harmony, which is dedicated to improving energy efficiency through efficient energy management initiatives that support mining operations and foster a safe and healthy workplace.
