South African energy trader, Enpower Trading, has signed a 10-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Ivanplats, a subsidiary of Ivanhoe Mines Ltd, to supply 48.30 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of renewable energy annually. The electricity will be wheeled from the SunCentral solar PV plant in De Aar to Ivanplats’ Platreef mine in Limpopo, South Africa.
The SunCentral solar PV plant, operated by SolarAfrica Energy, will serve as the electricity source for the agreement. As part of a larger 1GW renewable energy project, Phase 1 consists of a 342 megawatt-peak (MWp) facility, delivering reliable clean energy to South Africa’s grid.
Enpower Trading highlighted that the deal underscores the advantages of wheeling power to remote operations, allowing companies like Ivanplats to transition toward sustainability without compromising efficiency.
“Renewable energy is no longer a choice; it’s a necessity,” said James Beatty, CEO of Enpower Trading. “This agreement with Ivanplats exemplifies how mining and energy sectors can collaborate to support the green economy while ensuring economic growth. By delivering clean energy to Platreef, we’re not just powering a mine; we’re empowering a sustainable future.”
The Platreef platinum-palladium-rhodium-nickel-gold-copper mine is currently under construction and is expected to commence production in the fourth quarter of 2025. Through a series of phased expansions planned over the next decade, the Platreef mine is poised to become one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost producers of platinum-group-metals.
The Platreef mine’s production of critical minerals is essential to the green economy. Once fully ramped up, Platreef’s Phase 3 expansion is expected to annually produce over 1 million ounces of platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold, plus 35,000 tonnes of nickel and copper. Platinum, palladium and rhodium are integral to hydrogen fuel cells and catalytic converters, while nickel and copper play crucial roles in batteries and power infrastructure. The mine’s resources contribute directly to reducing global carbon emissions by supporting renewable energy technologies and electrification.
“The PPA with Enpower Trading underscores Ivanhoe Mines’ commitment to the sustainable development of its projects that will supply the world with the critical minerals needed for a greener future,” said Jacques Pretorius, Managing Director of Ivanplats.
