S African miner Impala launches RFI for 10-MW solar project

South African mining group Impala Platinum Holdings Ltd (JSE:IMP) plans to equip its Marula mine with a 10-MW solar plant that will improve its electricity supply.

The platinum mine is located in South Africa’s northernmost province of Limpopo. According to Impala, it is suffering from unreliable power supplies from state-owned utility Eskom that have negatively affected production at the site.

The miner has launched a Request for Information (RFI) regarding the project, in which developers will be able to submit offers until October 20. The contractors are invited to provide information about the design, financing, construction, commissioning, operation and maintenance of a solar park of the proposed scale. The RFI does not contain a commitment element.

The solar project was put forward after the South African government’s recent decision to allow mining companies to search for self-generation power options to augment their electricity needs, Impala noted.

South African companies have recently been actively turning to renewables to lower their dependence on Eskom for power supply. Among them is steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal South Africa Limited (JSE:ACL), which this summer unveiled plans to build 160 MW of solar parks at its six operational sites.

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