Solarcentury Africa Advances Solar Project to Supply First Quantum's Zambian Copper Mines

Solarcentury Africa is developing a 112 MWp solar power plant in Zambia to supply electricity primarily to First Quantum Minerals' Trident mining complex, which includes the Sentinel copper mine and Enterprise nickel mine in North-Western Province.

The project, known as the Kusoka Solar Plant, will be owned and operated by Solarcentury Africa, part of the BB Energy Group. The company announced the development on 29 October 2026, with Turkish engineering firm YEO Teknoloji appointed as the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.

Solar Power to Support Mining Operations

The Kusoka project will add renewable electricity generation capacity to First Quantum's power supply. Copper and nickel mining require substantial amounts of electricity to operate processing plants, pumps, conveyors and other equipment.

Power supply has become a strategic concern for Zambia's mining industry, particularly following electricity shortages associated with low water levels at major hydropower facilities. Mining companies have responded by diversifying their electricity sources through imports and agreements with independent power producers.

First Quantum reported in its third-quarter 2026 results that approximately 80% of its electricity requirements in Zambia came from imports and domestic independent power producers, with the remainder supplied by state utility ZESCO. The company also said its Trident operations were finalising a power offtake agreement with Solarcentury Africa for Kusoka.

Project Allows Electricity Sales Beyond the Mines

Solarcentury Africa is developing Kusoka under a merchant power model. This arrangement allows the company to sell electricity to First Quantum and potentially supply other buyers or trade power through the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

The model gives the developer flexibility to sell electricity beyond a single customer, while providing First Quantum with an additional source of power for its mining operations. Solarcentury Africa will work with First Quantum and ZESCO on the project's delivery.

YEO to Deliver Engineering and Construction

YEO Teknoloji will oversee the plant's engineering and design, equipment procurement, construction, testing and commissioning.

The project adds to Solarcentury Africa's renewable-energy portfolio in Zambia, where the company is developing solar generation capacity for industrial and commercial customers. However, the announcement did not disclose Kusoka's total investment cost or a construction completion date.