Glencore Operations South Africa has signed a 20-year renewable energy supply agreement with Discovery Green to replace most of the electricity consumption at four of its major mining operations with renewable power.
Discovery Green says it will supply renewable energy to Glencore’s Goedgevonden, Tweefontein and iMpunzi mine complexes near eMalahleni, in the Nkangala District, from 2027. The combined electricity demand across these sites exceeds 290 GWh per year.
“This deal is one of the largest renewable energy trading agreements in the country and the first solution we’ve co-designed with an offtaker to dynamically adjust supply as their strategy and operations evolve. It’s a new model for the mining sector that can be replicated across other industries, offering cost savings, long-term price certainty and a clear path towards a low-carbon future,” says Andre Nepgen, Head of Discovery Green.
The partnership forms part of Glencore’s strategy to decarbonise its local operations while maintaining energy security, says Glencore Coal South Africa CEO Murray Houston. “It reflects our commitment to responsible mining, long-term sustainability and supporting South Africa’s energy transition,” he said.
Energy will be generated from Discovery Green’s contracted base of large-scale wind and solar farms. It will be delivered to the mining operations through the national grid under a private power purchase agreement.
