DRDGOLD’s South Africa Solar Milestone

Key Figures & Findings: DRDGOLD’s Ergo operation, a significant gold tailings retreatment facility in Johannesburg, has launched the Tshedza solar plant, worth R2.8 billion, enhancing energy stability and reducing emissions by over 50%. Recently granted a formal Eskom grid connection, this initiative, featuring 133,000 solar panels and 43 batteries, is designed to power Ergo’s daily operations without dependence on external energy during peak hours. This connection will also enable DRDGOLD to offset its energy consumption across 29 Eskom accounts, creating an in-house energy loop to reduce reliance on municipal energy.

Statistics & Insights: DRDGOLD’s new solar project provides an impressive 187 MW capacity, with panels that generate 18% extra energy from ground reflection. The solar setup runs the plant daily from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., ensuring sufficient power to handle the constant inflow of gold-bearing slurry.

Future Implications: DRDGOLD may replicate this renewable energy model in other operations to meet increased energy demands while driving down emissions. Additionally, tailings areas freed through this initiative could offer land for sustainable redevelopment projects, contributing to both environmental and economic growth in South Africa.

Source: Mining Weekly