Encouraging comments by Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Gwede Mantashe at the Investing in African Mining Indaba in Cape Town last week had the industry abuzz with possibilities for self-generation of electricity.
With their recent profitability buoyed by price improvements in certain commodities, some South African miners may consider investing part of their windfall gains to create their own renewable energy generating capacity.
According to Andrew van Zyl, director and principal consultant at SRK Consulting, there is no better time to consider such opportunities. “While Eskom’s base-load supply is still vital to keep mines running, independent power generation from renewable sources holds value for a few reasons,” said Van Zyl. “These relate to issues of rising electricity prices from the grid, as well as to mines’ environmental commitment and future carbon tax liabilities.”
