Zimplats 35MW solar plant hits design capacity as mining investments advance

Nqobile Bhebhe,Zimpapers Business HubZimplats’ 35MW solar power project has reached its design generation capacity, marking a major milestone in the platinum giant’s efforts to bolster energy sustainability and self-sufficiency within its operations.Commissioned in August 2024, the solar plant was completed on budget at US$37 million.The development is a key component of Zimplats’ broader strategy to enhance operational resilience and reduce reliance on the national grid amid persistent power supply challenges.In an quarterly report for the period ended 30 June 2025 on its capital projects, the company confirmed the development“The 35MW solar plant project was commissioned in August 2024 and has now reached design generation capacity. The project was completed on budget at US$37 million,” the firm said.The renewable energy initiative forms part of a suite of major investments Zimplats is undertaking to reinforce its mining and processing capacity, as well as environmental sustainability.The firm added that significant progress has also been recorded on the development of Mupani Mine, which is set to replace the depleted Rukodzi and Ngwarati mines.“The development of Mupani Mine, which replaces the depleted Rukodzi and Ngwarati mines, is progressing well and remains on schedule, with full production of 3.6 million tonnes per annum planned for H1 FY2029,” the company reported.It noted that by 30 June this year, a cumulative US$345 million had been spent on the Mupani Mine project against a total budget of US$386 million.On the metallurgical front, Zimplats is forging ahead with the smelter expansion and sulphur dioxide (SO₂) abatement plant project. The company said:“The smelter expansion and SO₂ abatement plant project is progressing well with a total of US$456 million spent to date against a project budget of US$544 million.”The first phase, which includes the expanded smelter and off-gas handling infrastructure, is now complete.Meanwhile, work continues on the refurbishment of the Base Metal Refinery, with US$35 million having been invested so far out of a total budget of US$190 million.In addition, Zimplats is expanding tailings storage infrastructure at its Selous Metallurgical Complex to support future concentrator operations.“This project will expand and support infrastructure abutting the existing facility to cater for concentrator operations up until FY2049, covering a footprint of 30 hectares.

US$3 million had been spent as at 30 June 2025,” the company said.Share on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald