In a significant step towards sustainable mining in Africa, French multinational mining and metals company Eramet subsidiary Eramet Grande Côte, and South African renewable-energy company JUWI Renewable Energies have reached financial close on a €30-million (about R580-million) off-grid solar PV and battery storage solution for Eramet Grande Côte’s mine, in Senegal.

The 20 MW 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 yearly, 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, or SBTi, roadmap, which aims for a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions by 2035 and carbon neutrality by 2050.

In addition to driving sustainable mining, JUWI says the project plays a crucial role in advancing Senegal’s clean energy transition, with the country aiming to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by about 7% this year.

By leveraging JUWI’s expertise in off-grid solar and storage solutions – alongside their 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, the companies’ representatives state.

“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,” says Eramet Grande Côte CEO Frederic Zanklan.

The clean energy produced by this plant will significantly enhance Eramet Grande Côte’s environmental performance and he adds that the company’s 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,” he adds, highlighting that sustainable mining technologies are crucial to reducing the environmental impact of industrial operations, especially as many African mining operations rely on hydrocarbon fuels owing to the continent’s limited grid infrastructure.

By integrating renewable energy and storage into mining, Zanklan says Eramet is reducing carbon footprints, improving operational efficiency and strengthening long-term energy resilience.