Zuwa Solar Limited, a Zambian registered solar PV Development company proposes to construct an 80 – 120 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant on approximately 150 ha of land on the surface of old copper ore tailings dams that are derived from copper mines operated by First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited. The Bwana Mkubwa tailings dams are located at the southern extension of the Zambian Copperbelt, 10 km south east of the Ndola where mining operations ceased in 2010.

"The site presents us with a number of advantages with respect to both solar conditions, suitable ground conditions, and proximity to the grid, while also eliminating the need to remove any existing vegetation from the site” says Dick Berlijn, a Director of Zuwa Solar.

The Bwana Mkubwa Solar PV project has been developed using “Smart-from-the-Start” principles. Smart-from-the-start renewable energy development encourages the use of low value and degraded land with the objective of minimizing impacts on wildlife, valuable agricultural lands, or potentially high-value commercial and residential land. Smart-from-the-Start development also emphasizes that solar PV development be constructed as close as possible to load centres in order to minimize the need for significant new transmission grid development as well as to keep losses to a minimum.

The Copperbelt Province is Zambia’s most densely populated region that also boasts the country’s largest electrical load due to the mining and industrial development in the area. The Bwana Mkubwa fulfils all the requirements for a Smart-from-the-start solar PV project.

First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited are in the process of completing the Closure Action Plan and Asset Retirement Obligation for the entire Bwana Mkubwa mine including the Bwana Mkubwa Tailings dams. Closure of the dams will include a surface covering of soil over the existing tailings. Zuwa Solar have obtained most of the significant permits in order to fully allow for the development of a solar PV plant at that location.

"A solar PV development on our old tailings dams is a win-win situation from our point-of-view", says Andries Scott of FQML. "With this partnership we have found a way to make use of our tailings dams in a responsible and productive manner, and Zuwa solar can make use of land located in a prime part of the Copperbelt without having to clear existing vegetation".

Zuwa Solar will lease the Bwana Mkubwa tailing dams from First Quantum Mining and Operations Limited for the lifespan of the project (minimum of 25 years) and intends to connect and sell the proposed solar PV plant power to the national grid, or to large off takers located on the Zambian Copperbelt.

For more information contact Dick Berlijn: dick.berlijn@zuwasolar.com or 0031620285486