Rhovan, a Glencore Ferroalloys managed vanadium mining and processing facility located near Brits in South Africa’s North West province, has started construction of a 25 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant. Once completed, the PV plant will feed energy into Rhovan’s network and is expected to supply about 30% of the operations’ annual energy demand. It is estimated that the reduction in grid-supplied electricity will avoid over 48 000 tonnes in CO2e emissions at the plant, per year.
Rhovan is a Glencore managed open-cast mine and smelter complex, which produces mainly vanadium alloys.
Glencore Ferroalloys CEO, Japie Fullard, says, “We are excited to announce this development at our Rhovan mine. Here, we produce a range of vanadium products which can be used in applications that support a low-carbon economy, and by installing a solar plant to supply renewable electricity to our operations, we are reducing the mine’s overall emissions footprint.”
The solar project was conceived in keeping with Glencore’s purpose of responsibly sourcing the commodities that advance everyday life and supports the company’s broader climate strategy aimed at reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions from its industrial operations, in line with its short- and medium-term targets. Glencore’s commodity portfolio supports the transition to a low-carbon economy, helping meet society’s current energy needs as it progresses through the transition.
Supporting the transition to a low-carbon future, however, is not only about reducing emissions and leveraging more green technology, but also involving communities and supporting their economic development.
“Rhovan has already consulted with the Bakwena-Ba-Magopa community in the North West. We will engage further with the community and local small and medium sized enterprises will be contracted to assist in the construction and installation of the solar plant,” Fullard adds.
The solar project at Rhovan will further strengthen the sustainability efforts of Rhovan’s operation, reinforce its long-term commercial viability, and help it play its part in supporting a lower carbon, more just future.
Construction of the project has begun and commissioning is planned for late 2024.
For more information visit: www.glencore.com/southafrica
