By: Ecofin Agency

Envusa Energy said in a statement on July 23, that it had completed financing for a 63 MW solar power plant that will supply electricity directly to the Sishen iron ore mine in South Africa's Northern Cape province.

The project will have an installed capacity of 72.5 MWp. The plant will sell all electricity generated directly to the mine operated by Kumba Iron Ore without using the national power grid. Developers expect to commission the facility in the fourth quarter of 2027.

Envusa did not disclose the project's cost, financing amount or lending institutions. The company will build the solar plant on about 100 hectares at the top of a rehabilitated mine waste dump consisting of excavated rock and soil with little or no economically recoverable ore.

Landmark Redevelopment of Mining Land

Envusa said the project will become South Africa's first solar development of this scale built on a rehabilitated mine waste facility located within an active mining operation. "This previously disturbed mining land will now become productive infrastructure generating energy," the company said.

Envusa added that adjustable photovoltaic mounting structures and a mobile substation will accommodate potential ground movement at the site. The Sishen Iron Ore Company-Community Development Trust (SIOC-CDT) will own a 10% stake in the project. The trust will use dividend income to support employment, education, healthcare, infrastructure and skills development in surrounding communities.

Project Supports South Africa's Cleaner Energy Mix

Envusa, a joint venture between Anglo American and EDF power solutions, is also developing the Koruson 2 wind and solar complex. The Koruson 2 project will provide a combined capacity of 520 MW to supply several mining operations across South Africa.

Although Sishen produces iron ore rather than coal, the conversion of former mining land into renewable energy infrastructure symbolizes South Africa's broader effort to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels.

The country's Just Energy Transition Plan aims to repurpose coal-related assets, diversify local economies and integrate surrounding communities into new economic activities.

The Sishen solar project illustrates how mining companies can combine land rehabilitation with renewable energy investment to advance decarbonization while creating long-term benefits for host communities.