Maputo, 24 Jul (AIM) – The Indian multinational company Vulcan has invested 160 million US dollars for the installation of a 300-megawatt power plant in the coal mine that it operates in Moatize district, central Mozambican province of Tete.
The plant – which will generate up to 300 megawatts of power drastically cutting diesel consumption and reducing environmental impacts – will electrify Moatize mine operations. Roughly 90 megawatts will power our mining operations, 30 megawatts will be dedicated to processing, and about 100 megawatts will electrify the rail corridor.
According to Estevão Pale, Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, speaking to reporters during the infrastructure inauguration on Thursday, the plant represents a decisive step towards the modernization of the mining sector in Mozambique, enabling greater operational efficiency, increased productivity, and reduced environmental impacts through the use of cleaner technologies.
“The gradual replacement of fuel-powered equipment with electric systems will make it possible to significantly reduce diesel consumption, lower operating costs, and increase productivity, while simultaneously contributing to more efficient and environmentally responsible mining operations”, he said.
For his part, Vulcan CEO, Mukesh Kumar, said that the project will allow the company to achieve energy self-sufficiency while feeding surplus electricity back into Mozambique’s national grid. “Our ultimate objective is to enhance and scale up the national economy. Currently, we spend roughly 150 million dollars solely on diesel imports”, he said.
He also explained that the plant will reduce direct emissions from heavy machinery, achieving full equipment electrification.
Am/
