- The 40Mw hybrid project is set to be the world’s largest off-grid, fully integrated hybrid power plant for a stand-alone mining operation.
- The Syama Solar Hybrid Power Plant will combine solar, battery, and heavy fuel oil (HFO) technologies.
- The project is expected to generate savings of up to 40% on the current operating costs of power at Syama.
Resolute Mining has signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with an energy developer, Ignite Energy for the development of a 40MW independent solar hybrid power plant at the company’s Syama Gold Mine in Mali.
Once constructed, the innovative project is expected to be the world’s largest off-grid, fully integrated hybrid power plant for a stand-alone mining operation. The Syama Solar Hybrid Power Plant will combine solar, battery, and heavy fuel oil (HFO) technologies.
The new power plant will replace the existing 28MW diesel-fired power station at Syama and is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2020.
The Syama power solution will be funded and constructed under an Independent Power Producer model whereby Ignite Energy, will be responsible for the design, construction, ownership, funding, and operation of the solar hybrid power facility.
The solar hybrid power solution is expected to generate savings of up to 40% on the current operating costs of power at Syama.
Managing director and CEO, John Welborn, commented: “Resolute aims to be a leader in mining innovation and to promote responsible and sustainable positive economic growth in Africa”. The partnership with Ignite Energy to develop a low-cost solar hybrid power solution for Syama will establish the company as a global leader in energy solutions for the mining sector. According to Welborn, the scale of this project will be a world first.
“The project is entirely consistent with our ongoing efforts to use innovation and technology to optimise and enhance our Syama operations and deliver exceptional outcomes for our shareholders.The project is a key component of delivering the expected sub-$750 per ounce All-in-Sustaining-Cost for the Syama Underground Gold Mine,” he said.
Author: Babalwa Bungane
This article was originally published on ESI Africa and is republished with permission with minor editorial changes.
