The economics of renewable energy are now decisively in favor of mine operators, particularly in remote, off-grid locations. The combination of solar and wind with large-scale battery storage is creating reliable, low-cost power systems that are displacing traditional diesel and gas generation.
- Fortescue’s “Real Zero” Strategy in Australia: Fortescue is aggressively pursuing its “Real Zero” target, which aims to eliminate Scope 1 and 2 terrestrial emissions without relying on carbon offsets. A key milestone is the construction of the 133 MW Nullagine wind project in the Pilbara. This project will balance the region’s daytime solar output with strong nighttime and seasonal wind, creating a more stable renewable baseload. This builds on momentum from the nearing-completion Cloudbreak 190 MW solar farm.
- Record-Setting Solar+BESS in the DRC: The Kamoa-Kakula Copper Complex is on track to complete one of Africa’s largest mining decarbonisation initiatives. The project, which is 70% complete and due online in Q2 2026, features a massive 433 MWp solar PV array paired with a 1,107 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). It will provide 60 MW of continuous renewable baseload power, significantly reducing reliance on diesel and grid instability.
- Global Surge in Mining Storage: The demand for energy storage in mining is exploding, with the global market for mine-site batteries estimated to have surpassed $85 billion in 2025. Recent deployments highlight the scale and variety of solutions:
- In Australia’s Pilbara, a 250 MWh比亚迪 (BYD) “Cube” storage system was delivered to power Fortescue’s operations.
- In Zambia, a massive 39 MWh microgrid combines solar, storage, and diesel to power the瑞达 (Rui Da)矿山 project.
- The Wonmunna iron ore project in Western Australia has installed a 2.1MW solar-battery system that already powers its crusher 100% with renewables during peak daylight hours and cuts diesel use by 760,000 litres per year.
- Electrifying the Mine Fleet: The transition isn’t just about stationary power. In Indonesia, PT Borneo Indobara has begun one of the nation’s largest mining equipment electrification programs, showcasing over 150 electric and hybrid mining units. The company aims to have 75% of its fleet electric by 2028.
ESG and the Path to Net-Zero
The drive for sustainability is being embedded into corporate strategy, with a clear focus on transparent reporting and managing nature-related risks.
- Top-Tier ESG Performance: Hindustan Zinc has been ranked in the top 1% globally in the S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook 2026 for the Metals and Mining sector, with a score of 90/100. The company is increasing its renewable energy capacity to 530 MW, targeting 70% of its electricity from renewables by 2028 as part of its SBTi-approved path to net-zero by 2050.
- Beyond Carbon: Tackling Nature-Based Risks: Anglo American is expanding its “nature-positive” strategy by using advanced technology to manage environmental risks across its entire value chain. This includes using eDNA monitoring to track marine biodiversity and piloting assessments of its tyre supply chain to combat deforestation linked to natural rubber sourcing.
- From Commitments to Delivery: Industry experts at the 2026 Investing in African Mining Indaba emphasized that the sector has moved from making pledges to the “much harder phase of delivery.” The focus is now on operational execution, integrating large-scale renewables (up to 400MW projects), and ensuring workforce readiness for new technologies.
Key Takeaways for the Month
- Trends to Watch: The move towards “baseload renewables” via wind-solar-storage hybrids, the electrification of mining fleets, and the integration of AI for energy management.
- Market Growth: The green mining market is projected to grow steadily, reaching an estimated $13.51 billion by 2030.
- Upcoming Event: For a deep dive into energy storage applications, the 14th Energy Storage International Summit and Exhibition (ESIE 2026) in Beijing (March 31 – April 3) will feature dedicated sessions on mining scenarios.