Canada-based First Quantum Minerals has plans to power its Zambian copper mines by a $500m solar and wind power installations funded by Total Eren and Chariot, reported Bloomberg News.

Over the past ten years, power shortages have impacted mining operations in Zambia, which almost depends on hydropower.

Zambia is a leading copper producer in Africa and is looking to expand production by attracting more investment.

Due to drought, the country has been facing severe power shortages from its 3GW power grid.

This project marks a shift for the mining company, which had planned on investing in a 300MW coal-fired power plant in neighbouring Botswana to supply the Zambian mines.

A 230MW solar plant and 200MW wind farm will be constructed to supply power to First Quantum’s Kansanshi and Sentinel mines.

These mines together generated 434,847 metric tonnes of copper in 2021, representing over 50% of the total production of Zambia.

Total Eren and Chariot Transitional Power, a unit of Chariot, will fund, construct and run the renewable installations.

Construction of the renewable installations is expected to commence by 2022, reported the news agency.

First Quantum said that the project is still in its initial stages.

The solar power will be generated during the day, while wind power will be produced primarily at night.
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Image: A 230MW solar plant and 200MW wind farm will be constructed to supply power to First Quantum’s Kansanshi and Sentinel mines. Credit: andreas160578 from Pixabay.