- 63 MW solar plant to supply Sishen mine from late 2027.
Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen Iron Ore Company (SIOC) has signed an energy offtake agreement with Envusa Energy to supply embedded solar power to its flagship Sishen mine in South Africa, marking a key step in its decarbonisation strategy.
The agreement covers electricity from a 63 MW solar photovoltaic plant to be built within the Sishen mining area, with first power expected in the fourth quarter of 2027. The project is expected to displace about 35% of the mine’s current Scope 2 emissions once fully operational.
The solar facility will be constructed on the existing G80 waste rock dump, converting previously disturbed land into productive energy infrastructure. The plant will have an installed capacity of 72.5 MWp DC and deliver 63 MW AC, sized to optimise cost savings over its lifecycle.
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This project represents the first embedded renewable energy development to reach this stage under the Envusa Energy programme. It follows the rollout of the Koruson 2 cluster in the Eastern and Northern Cape, which includes 240 MW of solar and 280 MW of wind capacity.
Once operational, the project will lift Kumba’s renewable energy penetration to about 45%, including 11 MW of wheeled renewable energy already supplied to the Kolomela mine since March 2026.
Kumba said the project supports its target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030, aligned with Anglo American’s broader climate commitments.
Beyond energy supply, the development includes a strong local economic component, with a focus on employment, skills development, and opportunities for local businesses during construction and operation.
The Sishen Iron Ore Company Community Development Trust will take a 10% stake in the solar project, enabling host communities to benefit directly from dividends generated by the asset. Funds will be reinvested into social programmes including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation.
Kumba CEO Mpumi Zikalala said the project would deliver reliable and cost competitive renewable energy while supporting the company’s transition to a lower carbon future.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
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