Key takeaways
- Kamoa Copper S.A. and CrossBoundary Energy have signed a power purchase agreement to provide a 30 MW baseload renewable energy supply to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper mining complex in the DRC
- The renewable energy system will include a 222 MWp solar PV system and a 123 MVA/526MWh battery energy storage system, offsetting significant fuel generator usage
- This agreement marks a significant step towards sustainable mining practices, demonstrating that baseload renewable energy from solar PV and batteries is a viable and cost-effective alternative to diesel generators for mines
3 April 2025, Kolwezi, The Democratic Republic of Congo— Kamoa Copper S.A. and CrossBoundary Energy have signed a power purchase agreement (PPA) to provide baseload renewable energy to the Kamoa-Kakula Copper mining complex, one of the largest copper mines in the world, situated near Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Kamoa Copper S.A. is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining Group, and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which owns a 20% stake in the company. The mining complex is the largest of its kind in Africa, with an installed capacity of 600,000 tonnes of copper per annum, with a smelter under construction that will be commissioned this year.
This solar project is the first of its kind in Africa, will include a 222 MWp solar PV system and a 123 MVA/526MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The plant will provide a 30MW dispatchable renewable baseload energy supply to the mine, offsetting fuel generators and reducing carbon emissions by around 78,750 tonnes per year. CrossBoundary Energy will own and operate the plant and Kamoa Copper will pay for the energy it consumes. The plant is expected to produce ~300,000 MWh of clean energy per year.
Whilst many mines have incorporated solar PV and BESS systems into their operations, the supply of baseload energy—a guaranteed power output at all times—is rare for solar PV and BESS, as the sector has typically been cautious of intermittency. However, due to the increasing efficiency of solar PV and the declining cost of BESS components, a renewable baseload system is now viable and cheaper than the diesel generators currently providing power to the mine.
Matthew Tilleard, Managing Partner at CrossBoundary Energy, said, “Africa’s most significant hindrance to growth and investment is access to reliable and affordable power. Projects like these prove that distributed clean energy can now provide cheaper baseload power, even for heavy industry. We congratulate the Kamoa Copper S.A. team for this project, which will advance the whole sector.”
Franck Alloghe, Business Development Director for CrossBoundary Energy, said, “This agreement represents a change in energy supply for mining operations, indicating that diesel or HFO generators are no longer the only viable option for guaranteed baseload power generation. We look forward to executing this project with the Kamoa Copper team. Baseload from the sun is here.”
Annebel Oosthuizen, Managing Director of Kamoa Copper, said, “Kamoa Copper mining complex is one of the largest and fastest growing copper complexes in the world with significant needs in energy. Our commitment to using renewable energy components showcases our desire to lead the charge for a sustainable mining industry and energy transition. Working with partners like CrossBoundary Energy will allow us to bolster the current supply. We were impressed by CrossBoundary Energy’s local expertise and comprehensive approach to designing the right solution for us.”
Auguy Bakome, Project Manager, Kamoa Copper, said, The solar project is a key milestone in delivering clean, reliable energy to Kamoa Copper. With advanced solar and battery systems, we’re boosting energy resilience, cutting emissions, and advancing sustainable mining. We commend CrossBoundary Energy for their professionalism and technical expertise.
Construction of the renewable energy facility is due to start in August 2025.
Kate Pallett
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, CrossBoundary Energy
Email: kate.pallett@crossboundary.com
Mobile: +27 (0) 76 484 9451
Audrey Mbwinga
Superintendent III Corporate Communications
Email: AudreyM@kamoacopper.com
Mobile: +243 97 728 6486
About Kamoa Copper
The Kamoa Copper is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines (39.6%), Zijin Mining Group (39.6%), Crystal River Global Limited (0.8%) and the DRC government (20%).
The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex is one of the highest-grade and fastest growing major copper mining operations globally. Copper concentrates were first produced in May 2021 and, through on-going Phase 2 and Phase 3 expansions, Kamoa Copper is positioned to become one of the world’s largest copper producing operations, with 2025 production guidance set at between 520,000 to 580,000 tons of copper in concentrate.
The Kamoa Copper Complex is powered by clean, renewable hydro-generated electricity and is among one of the world’s lowest greenhouse gas emitters per tons of copper metal produced on a Scope 1 and 2 basis.