Kamativi Mining Company (KMC) is targeting September 2026 to commission a 36MW solar power plant at its lithium mining operation in Hwange, in a move aimed at strengthening energy security and reducing reliance on the national grid.
KMC chief operating officer, Turkey Liang told Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development during a fact-finding visit, this week that construction of the solar facility was already underway.
“The solar project is already under development, with the solar infrastructure being put in place, while the battery energy storage system is still to be installed,” said Liang.
The US$25 million project is expected to provide additional power for KMC’s expanding mining and processing operations, with management previously indicating that construction should be completed by the end of September.
The plant will be integrated with a 48MWh battery energy storage system, which is expected to improve the reliability of solar power by storing electricity generated during periods of peak sunlight for use when solar output declines.
Liang said the battery component would set the Kamativi project apart from conventional mining solar installations, citing Zimplats’ solar project as an example.
“The battery storage component is a key feature of the project and will differentiate the Kamativi solar plant from conventional solar installations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) has granted New Dawn Solar Private Limited a 25-year licence to construct, own, operate and maintain the 36MW photovoltaic plant integrated with a 48MWh battery energy storage system at Kamativi.
The facility is being developed as KMC expands lithium mining and processing, with the company seeking to cut power costs, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen energy security.
KMC general manager, Jack Ye said work was already underway, with materials delivered to site and completion targeted for September.
“Materials are already on site and work on the solar project has commenced. We are targeting completion by the end of September,” said Ye.
The project dovetails with Government’s push for large mining operations to develop alternative power-generation capacity amid persistent electricity supply challenges.
With solar infrastructure already under construction and the battery system still to be installed, the project has entered its final development phase.
Once commissioned, the facility will add 36MW of solar generation capacity, supported by 48MWh of battery storage, strengthening KMC’s power supply while advancing the mining sector’s shift towards renewable energy.
