Platinum group metals PGM and chrome miner Tharisa Minerals have signed a wind and solar electricity wheeling agreement with renewable energy firm, Etana Energy, which will provide about 44 of the South African miners power requirements.
The long-term power purchase agreement signed with Etana covers the procurement of renewable energy for the companys Tharisa Mine, on the western limb of the Bushveld Complex.
The 15-year agreement with Etana Energy Proprietary Limited will see Etana provide up to 44 of the Tharisa Mines electricity energy demand via wheeled energy from wind and solar farms in the Western Cape and Northern Cape using the existing electricity transmission grid, said Tharisa in a statement yesterday.
Tharisa planned for the wheeled energy from Etana to come on stream in 2026, a development that would enable the mine to better manage its power costs and benefit from the renewable energy certificates arising from the transaction.
The wheeled energy from Etana would complement the Tharisa mines 40MW solar power plant that was being developed by TotalEnergies Renewables South Africa and Chariot Transitional Power South Africa.
