- RBPlat wants to deploy a 30MW solar PV plant at its mine.
- The company has commenced feasibility studies for the power plant.
South African Mining company, Royal Bafokeng Platinum (RBPlat) plans to deploy a 30MWp solar PV plant at its Bafokeng Rasimone Platinum Mine (BRPM). The company has commenced feasibility studies for the project. RBPlat believes that the plant will reduce its electricity bills as well as the mine’s dependence on state-owned Eskom. The solar power plant is also expected to reduce the environmental impact of the mine.
The BRPM is one of South Africa’s largest platinum mines, with estimated reserves of 47.9 million ounces. RBPlat plans to finish the plant’s feasibility study in Q2 2022. Mining companies in South Africa are increasingly adopting solar energy to meet energy demands for Mining operations. For example, mining operator Gold Fields recently received approval to construct a 40 MWp solar power plant for its South Deep gold mine in Gauteng.