Mining has long been the backbone of many African economies, supplying the world with gold, copper, cobalt, graphite, and other critical minerals. However, the sector has also faced mounting pressure to reduce its environmental footprint and cut reliance on expensive, carbon-intensive fuels. In response, a growing trend is changing mining operations across the continent the adoption of battery energy storage systems, often paired with solar power. Consequently, companies are not only reducing emissions but also managing costs and ensuring reliable energy in remote regions where grid access remains weak.
Battery Storage in Modern Mining
Traditionally, African mines have depended on diesel or heavy fuel oil generators. While these systems are reliable, they come with high operating costs and significant carbon emissions. By contrast, battery storage, when combined with renewable energy such as solar, offers a cleaner and more cost-efficient alternative. In addition, batteries help stabilize supply by storing excess solar energy during the day and releasing it when demand peaks, thereby ensuring consistent reliability.
Success Stories from African Mines
Several mining operations across Africa have already made major strides in integrating battery storage into their energy systems.
- Fekola Gold Mine (Mali) – Operated by B2Gold, this mine runs a hybrid power station featuring 30 MW of solar and a 17.3 MW/15.4 MWh battery system. As a result, it now offsets more than 13 million liters of fuel annually and cuts approximately 39,000 tonnes of Carbon emissions.
- Balama Graphite Mine (Mozambique) – Syrah Resources has invested in an 11.25 MW solar plant with an 8.5 MW/8.5 MWh battery storage system. Consequently, diesel consumption is expected to drop by about 35%, reducing costs and improving sustainability.
- Syama Gold Mine (Mali) – Currently developing a hybrid power station with a 10 MW battery component, the mine aims to reduce power costs by up to 40%, while also ensuring stable energy for continuous operations.
- Otjikoto Mine (Namibia) – B2Gold has adopted solar-plus-storage systems that allow daytime shutdown of thermal engines, demonstrating that renewables and batteries can reliably support full-scale mining operations.
A Shift Across the Industry
African mining companies are increasingly embracing hybrid power solutions, combining renewable energy with battery storage to maintain smooth operations. These systems help mines cut costs, reduce emissions, and ensure reliable power even in remote locations. Moreover, what once felt experimental now drives daily operations, showing that sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand.
Beyond stationary storage, mining companies have also continued exploring electrification of mining fleets, with battery-powered trucks and trolley-assisted vehicles being tested in South Africa, Namibia, and Zambia.
Broader Benefits Beyond the Mine
The adoption of battery storage in mining generates benefits that extend well beyond the industry itself. By relying less on fossil fuels, mines reduce greenhouse gas emissions and align more closely with global climate targets. In addition, they minimize exposure to volatile fuel prices, which strengthens economic resilience. Importantly, hybrid systems also offer a blueprint for rural electrification, demonstrating how renewable energy and storage can reliably power remote communities.
