Miners dominate power usage, according to a report by the country’s biggest energy consumers.
According to Energy Minister Edgar Moyo, demand from the mining industry alone has now risen to 2,600MW due to new projects and expansion. Mines are so dominant on energy that ZESA boss Sydney Gata said the companies, which are supposed to be his biggest customers, must develop their own power: “We cannot have the Government and ZESA babysitting your energy risks.”
Miners are part of an association called the Intensive Energy Users Group (IEUG), which brings together some of the country’s heaviest electricity users. The group is now looking to invest in new power projects to supply members, including an ambitious 250MW floating solar plant on Lake Kariba.
So, which companies are among the biggest energy users in the country? The IEUG, using power load (MVA) as a measure, has listed some, and not all, of the largest power users in its membership.
Dinson: 400MVA
The Manhize steel plant is the power consumption king, using a load of 400MVA. The company started operations this year, and plans to produce 600,000 tonnes of steel products per year in its first phase. The plant needs 100MW. Apart from using the grid, the company is investing in its own power, including a 50MW plant that uses waste gas from processing.
Afrochine: 118MVA
The country’s biggest ferrochrome producer is located at Selous. It is currently building a 100MW solar plant to meet its power demands, as it expands operations and pushes 100,000 tonnes of output per year.
Zimplats: 83MVA
The country’s biggest platinum mine. It is currently expanding under a US$1.8 billion investment. The company has just completed the first 35MW phase of a 185MW solar plant. It imports some of its power directly to add to ZESA power.
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Jin-An Corporation: 76MVA
One of the largest ferrochrome producers, in Gweru. Jin-An and Titan New Energy recently announced a plan to build a 100MW solar plant for the factory.
Prospect Lithium: 70MVA
Huayou Cobalt bought the mine in 2022 and has built a lithium plant at Goromonzi.
Unki Mine: 30MVA
One of the country’s main platinum producers, Unki hit record output last year. But power was one of the factors that drove operating costs up 9%.
Blanket Mine: 20MVA
Owned by Caledonia, Blanket used 111,675,923kWh last year, according to its annual report. The company built a solar plant which now provides 20% of its power.
Mimosa: 20MVA
Mimosa is one of the biggest platinum producers, based in the Midlands. It is jointly owned by Implats and Sibanye-Stillwater.
Bulawayo Mining Company: 10MVA
The company runs How Mine, near Bulawayo, and is currently expanding operations and investing in enhanced processing efficiencies.
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