Mali gold mine to halve energy costs with 40MW solar-storage-HFO plant

LinkedIn
Twitter
Reddit
Facebook
Email
The hybrid project will replace an existing 28MW diesel-fired power plant at Syama Gold Mine. Credit: Resolute ASX Filing

Australian firm Resolute Mining has signed an agreement with Africa-focused power developer Ignite Energy to set up a 40MW hybrid solar, battery and heavy fuel oil (HFO) plant at its Syama Gold Mine in Mali, according to an Australian Stock exchange (ASX) filing.

This will replace an existing 28MW diesel-fired power plant at Syama. The new project, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2020, could become the world’s largest off-grid hybrid power plant for a stand-alone mining operation and will offer around 40% energy cost savings at Resolute’s gold mine.

The plant will also reduce Resolute’s exposure to oil price escalations as well as making savings on fuel logistics.

The ASX filing stated: “Resolute said that HFO fuel costs can be up to 50% lower than diesel with larger modern generating units substantially more efficient than Resolute’s current engines.”

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Enjoy 12 months of exclusive analysis

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Annual digital subscription to the PV Tech Power journal
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

The energy storage batteries will be used to provide spinning reserve and manage loads efficiently.

The plant will be financed, owned and operated by Ignite Energy. It will supply power to the mine on a guaranteed basis over a 12-20 year term, although the power purchase agreement (PPA) is expected to be finalised in the first half of 2019.

John Welborn, MD and CEO of Resolute, said: “Resolute aims to be a leader in mining innovation and to promote responsible and sustainable positive economic growth in Africa. The partnership with Ignite Energy to develop a low-cost hybrid power solution for Syama will establish the Company as global leader in energy solutions for the mining sector.”

Resolute Mining has operated nine gold mines over 28 years and currently runs mines in Mali, Australia and Ghana.

Dr. Thomas Hilig recently published the top C&I solar projects in Africa on Energy-Storage.News’ sister site PV Tech.

Read Next

October 8, 2025
The NSW Independent Planning Commission has granted planning approval for Potentia Energy’s 500MW Tallawang solar-plus-storage project.
October 3, 2025
EDF Renewables has brought its 300MWh Milagro project online in New Mexico, while Enlight Renewable Energy has secured US$340 million in tax equity financing for its 940MWh Roadrunner project in Arizona.
September 30, 2025
According to the Q3 2025 US Energy Storage Monitor from Wood Mackenzie Power & Renewables and the American Clean Power Association (ACP), annual installations will not reach 2025 levels again until 2029.
September 29, 2025
Samsung C&T Renewable Energy Australia has submitted plans for a 300MWh solar-plus-storage project in Queensland to Australia’s EPBC Act.
September 25, 2025
The Australian government has granted approval for the 1.4GWh Garoo solar-plus-storage project being pursued by Jinko Power Australia.

Most Popular

Email Newsletter