In a significant step towards sustainable mining in Africa, Eramet Grande Côte, a subsidiary of the France-based multinational mining and metals company Eramet, and South Africa’s JUWI Renewable Energies have reached financial close on a €30 million ($31.5 million) off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) and battery storage solution for the mine in Diogo, Senegal.
The 20 MWp solar and 11 MWh battery project will provide clean energy to meet 20% of the mine’s energy needs, reduce carbon emissions by 25,000 t/y, and create over 100 jobs during its construction and maintenance phases. The off-grid hybrid installation, among the largest in Senegal, will reduce the mine’s reliance on heavy fuel oil, improve production stability and align with Eramet’s global decarbonisation strategy. The investment supports the Eramet Group’s Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) roadmap, which aims for a 40% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050.
In addition to driving sustainable mining, the project plays a crucial role in advancing Senegal’s clean energy transition, with the country aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 7% by 2025.
By leveraging JUWI’s expertise in off-grid solar and storage solutions, alongside its engineering capabilities for complex ground conditions, and Eramet Grande Côte and Eramet’s commitment to sustainability, the project sets a new benchmark for innovation in the mining sector, JUWI says.
“Our investment in this solar power plant reflects Eramet Grande Côte’s and Eramet’s commitment to making the decarbonisation of our activities a top priority, in line with the global climate emergency,” Frederic Zanklan, CEO, Eramet Grande Côte, said. “The clean energy produced by this plant will significantly enhance Eramet Grande Côte’s environmental performance. Our clients will benefit from products with increased environmental value. As the first mine in Senegal to be ISO 50 001 and 14 001 certified, Eramet Grande Côte is taking another important step in addressing the climate challenges we all face.”
Richard Doyle, MD, JUWI Renewable Energies, said: “As part of our commitment to Africa’s energy transition, we’re thrilled to partner with Eramet Grande Côte on their first off-grid solar and storage project and to support Senegal’s ambitious carbon emissions goals.
“Sustainable mining technologies are crucial in reducing the environmental impact of industrial operations, especially as many African mining operations rely on hydrocarbon fuels due to the continent’s limited grid infrastructure. By integrating renewable energy and storage into mining, we reduce carbon footprints, improve operational efficiency and strengthen long-term energy resilience. We’re proud to use JUWI’s experience in delivering hybrid energy solutions across Africa to help advance sustainable mining and Africa’s clean energy transition.”
Eramet Grande Côte, the Senegalese subsidiary of the Eramet Group, is the world’s 4th largest producer of mineral sands, including ilmenite, leucoxene, zircon and rutile. The subsidiary has invested nearly $800 million in infrastructure, including a dredge with a floating wet concentrator plant, a mineral separation processing plant, a 36 MW heavy fuel oil power plant, the Diogo-Dakar railway line, and port facilities in Dakar. Production began in 2014. With over 2,000 employees, Eramet Grande Côte operates to the highest standards, being the first mining company in Senegal to receive ISO 14 001 and ISO 50 001 certification. It is also the first mine to return re-vegetated land to the State and is committed to the IRMA process, it says.