In a major step towards sustainable mining, Kamoa Copper S.A. has entered into a power purchase agreement (PPA) with CrossBoundary Energy to develop an innovative baseload renewable energy system for the Kamoa-Kakula Copper mining complex in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
This agreement will see CrossBoundary Energy provide 30 MW of baseload power through a hybrid system consisting of a 222 MWp solar photovoltaic (PV) plant and a 123 MVA/526 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The shift to this renewable energy solution is expected to drastically reduce the mine’s dependence on diesel generators, helping cut approximately 78,750 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Scheduled to begin construction in August 2025, the renewable energy facility is expected to generate around 300,000 MWh of clean energy each year. CrossBoundary Energy will own and operate the system, while Kamoa Copper will pay for the energy consumed.
Kamoa Copper, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the Government of the DRC (which holds a 20% stake), oversees one of the world’s largest copper mining operations, with an annual production capacity of around 600,000 tonnes. The mine’s new direct-to-blister copper smelter is set to start operations in the second quarter of 2025.
This renewable energy project is being hailed as a game-changer in Africa, marking the first time solar and battery storage have been successfully combined to provide guaranteed baseload power for a mining operation—an idea previously dismissed due to concerns over intermittency. However, advancements in solar PV technology and the declining costs of battery storage have made this solution not only feasible but also more cost-effective than traditional diesel power.
Annebel Oosthuizen, Managing Director of Kamoa Copper, called the agreement a “pivotal moment” for both the company and the DRC, adding, “We are setting new standards in sustainable operations, and this partnership with CrossBoundary Energy underscores our commitment to innovation.”
Auguy Bakome, Project Manager at Kamoa Copper, highlighted the project’s significance in improving energy resilience and sustainability. “By incorporating advanced solar and battery storage systems, we’re reducing emissions, boosting energy security, and driving the future of sustainable mining,” he said.
Matthew Tilleard, Managing Partner at CrossBoundary Energy, emphasized the broader impact of the initiative, stating, “Africa’s primary challenge to growth is access to reliable, affordable power. Projects like this show that distributed clean energy can now meet the needs of even large-scale industrial operations.”
Franck Alloghe, Business Development Director at CrossBoundary Energy, echoed this sentiment, calling the agreement a transformative shift in mining energy strategy. “Diesel generators are no longer the only viable option for baseload power. Baseload from the sun is here,” he affirmed.
With the Kamoa-Kakula project setting a new benchmark in sustainable mining practices, Kamoa Copper is solidifying its leadership role in Africa’s transition to cleaner, more efficient industrial operations.
