Discovery Green and Glencore have signed a 20-year renewable energy supply agreement which will see the replacement of the majority of the electricity consumption at four of Glencore’s major mining operations with renewable energy.
Starting in 2027, Discovery Green will supply renewable energy to the Goedgevonden, Tweefontein, and iMpunzi mine complexes near eMalahleni in the Nkangala District. The electricity consumption across these operations is estimated to exceed 290 gigawatt-hours (GWh) per year.
This long-term agreement is expected to substantially reduce the operation’s direct carbon emissions while providing Glencore with stable, predictable electricity costs.
“We are excited to support Glencore, a major player in South Africa’s economy, on their journey towards renewable energy,” says Andre Nepgen, head of Discovery Green. “This deal is one of the largest renewable energy trading agreements in the country and the first solution we’ve co-designed with an offtaker to dynamically adjust supply as their strategy and operations evolve.
“It’s a new model for the mining sector that can be replicated across other industries offering cost savings, long-term price certainty, and a clear path towards a low-carbon future,” adds Nepgen.
Glencore’s commitment to sustainability is central to the partnership and supports its broader Climate Action Transition Plan which includes expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
“This partnership with Discovery Green is a key part of our strategy to decarbonise our South African operations while maintaining energy security,” says Murray Houston, CEO of Glencore Coal South Africa. “It reflects our commitment to responsible mining, long-term sustainability – and supporting South Africa’s energy transition.”
Glencore joins a growing list of leading businesses that have partnered with Discovery Green to transition to renewable energy including Sasol, Impala Platinum (Implats), Fortress REIT, and Southern Sun.