OPERATIONS •
MWS Pump Station .
Funded largely through a R1.5-billion green loan facility secured in June 2022 , the project consists of three solar PV plants with a combined peak capacity of 100MW and an anticipated total capacity of approximately 84MVA , situated at the Harmony Moab Khotsong Operations . Construction is expected to be completed in F26 .
“ As we extend the life of our mines , it is critical we continue to decarbonise while lowering our energy supply risk and exposure to above-inflation tariff increases . Our comprehensive renewable energy programme will improve our energy mix , as we aim towards becoming carbon net-zero by 2045 . The allocation of capital towards such sustainable projects benefits all our stakeholders and will create jobs and sustain economic activity for our host communities ,” said Peter Steenkamp , Harmony ’ s outgoing CEO at the time of writing .
While phase 1 ( 55 % of the project ) involved preparing the low-lying basin of the facility , phase 2 ( 45 %) applies to the north-western side of the basin . The broader expansion plans for MWS included the addition of a fourth processing stream , increasing plant throughput capacity from 25 to 28 million tonnes annually . As a result , gold production at MWS is forecast to average approximately 110 000 ounces per annum over the life of the operation .
An under-drainage system installed on top of the barrier ( 87km in length ) will drain water out over the next 100 years .
Steenkamp said , “ The conclusion of the Franco-Nevada streaming contract will allow MWS to fully deliver on the value of its production and contribute meaningfully to the broader Harmony group . Expanding our surface re-treatment business is in line with our strategy to invest in low-cost , high-margin quality ounces .”
In his opinion , MWS is going to be a very valuable asset and is testimony to the fact that South Africa is worth investing in ., “ This project will be repaid within 3 years . The profitability of this operation more than justifies the capital invested at MWS ,” concluded Steenkamp . •
Source : Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited
Reference :
1 . Quarter 2 of financial year 2025
About construction phase 2A PV Renewable Energy Project : Harmony anticipates this project will supply approximately 20 % of its South African operations peak daytime demand once completed . The engineering , procurement and construction ( EPC ) contract for the solar PV Plants and associated infrastructure has been awarded to a Joint Venture ( JV ) between OptiPower and the Cox Group . The awarded contract will create numerous employment and procurement opportunities for local host communities within the Matlosana and Moqhaka ( Ramolutsi ) local municipalities and surrounding areas .
The JV will manage the local procurement process , with preference given to black-owned , black women-owned and black youth-owned companies within the local host municipalities .
The construction and operation of the solar plants will create numerous job opportunities , both during the building phase and in the ongoing maintenance of the facilities . The JV will recruit fixed term employees and where required provide :
• skills development training initiatives for ‘ in-service ’ students
• skills development for locally employed staff
• on-site Enterprise Development programmes with successful local companies
A Community Liaison Officer will be appointed to ensure that a working relationship is established with the contractor , community leaders and other stakeholders .
www . africanmining . co . za African Mining Publication African Mining African Mining • March 2025 • 23