Richards Bay Minerals RBM, one of South Africa’s leading mineral sands producers and a subsidiary of global mining giant Rio Tinto, is taking bold steps toward a cleaner, more sustainable future. Through three new power purchase agreements with independent power producers, RBM has secured 500 megawatts of renewable energy. As a result, these agreements will cover 80% of its total electricity consumption a strategic move that not only cuts emissions but also reduces dependence on an unstable national grid.
Mining’s Carbon Challenge: Tackling Emissions at the Source
Currently, RBM uses around 1.8 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity per year. Notably, electricity accounts for 1.6 million tons of CO₂equivalent about 80% of the company’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, switching to renewable energy isn’t just environmentally responsible; rather, it’s a business imperative.Read more here
Meanwhile, all three renewable projects are under construction. Consequently, RBM expects to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 60%, which translates to a reduction of about 1.4 million tons of CO₂e annually, based on a 2018 baseline. In doing so, the company positions itself as a frontrunner in emissions accountability within South Africa’s mining sector.read more here
Project 1: Bolobedu Solar Farm – Limpopo’s Clean Energy Flagship
To kick off its renewable strategy, RBM partnered with Voltalia, a French renewable energy developer, to launch the 130 MW Bolobedu Solar Farm. Located approximately 120 km east of Polokwane in Limpopo, the facility is set to begin operations in the fourth quarter of 2025. Once complete, it will generate about 300 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of clean electricity annually. Moreover, the project offers more than just electricity. In addition to powering RBM’s operations, it promises to uplift the local economy through job creation, skills development, and infrastructure investment delivering long-term benefits to the Bolobedu region.
Project 2: Swellendam Wind Farm – Harnessing the Cape’s Wind
Following that, RBM is developing a 140 MW wind farm near Swellendam in the Western Cape, in collaboration with African Clean Energy Developments (ACED). Expected to go live in late 2026, this project will complement solar generation by broadening RBM’s energy mix and enabling around-the-clock clean power. As a result, this combination of solar and wind enhances both energy reliability and operational resilience by easing the intermittency challenges commonly associated with renewable sources.
Project 3: Overberg Wind Farm – Red Rocket’s Major Contribution
Meanwhile, RBM’s third and largest renewable energy project involves a 230 MW wind farm in the Overberg region of the Western Cape. Developed in partnership with Red Rocket, a seasoned South African renewable energy firm, the facility is scheduled to start operating in the first half of 2027. Together with the other two projects, the Overberg Wind Farm will complete RBM’s 500 MW clean energy portfolio, further reinforcing energy security and helping to scale South Africa’s renewable infrastructure.
Supporting Rio Tinto’s Global Climate Commitments
Importantly, this clean energy shift aligns with Rio Tinto’s global climate strategy, which aims to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50% by 2030. In this context, RBM’s efforts contribute significantly to the parent company’s decarbonization goals. Ultimately, these projects demonstrate how large-scale industrial operators can balance productivity with sustainability, achieving progress quickly and strategically.
Growth Through Renewable Investments
Beyond environmental gains, RBM’s energy transition will also drive tangible socio-economic development. Each project, by design, supports job creation, boosts local procurement, and channels investment into community programmes. Furthermore, the strategic placement of the projects across Limpopo and the Western Cape ensures regional diversification of investment, thus promoting inclusive growth in under-resourced areas.
Pioneering a Sustainable Mining Future
RBM’s renewable energy strategy offers a compelling blueprint for how extractive industries can meet their climate obligations without compromising productivity. By sourcing 80% of its power from renewables, the company sets a new benchmark for sustainable mining in South Africa. As global pressures mount for greener operations, RBM’s three PPAs stand out not merely as contracts, but as a clear vision for the future clean, resilient, and community focused.
