Ndalamo Energy unveils solar power milestone in South Africa mining heartland

Ndalamo Energy, a trailblazing subsidiary of Ndalamo Resources, has unveiled dual triumph that propels its vision for sustainable energy and mining dominance.

The company announced on Monday the completion of a groundbreaking prefeasibility study for its inaugural 66 MW solar energy initiative, paired with the strategic acquisition of the Wonderfontein Colliery—a move that solidifies its foothold in South Africa’s resource sector.

At the heart of this milestone is the Wonderfontein Colliery, now fully owned by Ndalamo, which will host a sprawling solar photovoltaic (PV) array across 136 hectares.

The project, split into two phases, promises to revolutionize energy access for the company’s mining operations while positioning Ndalamo as a renewable energy supplier.

Phase one will deploy 10 MW to power Ndalamo’s own sites, supported by critical infrastructure upgrades like a 6.6 kV substation.

The subsequent 56 MW phase will funnel clean energy to external clients via Ndalamo’s TradingCo arm, leveraging existing 22kV transmission lines across its Mpumalanga mining hubs.

“This isn’t just about energy—it’s about redefining our role in South Africa’s future,” declared Ndalamo Resources Chief Executive Ofiicer, Sammy Luvhengo.

His enthusiasm reflects the project’s alignment with national energy security goals and the company’s aggressive diversification strategy.

The Wonderfontein acquisition, marking Ndalamo first wholly owned mining asset, transitions the firm from joint-venture reliance to full operational control, a shift Luvhengo calls “a game-changer for agility and long-term planning.”

Nikash Rughubir, Ndalamo’s Executive Head of Energy, emphasised the project triple bottom line: slashing carbon emissions, stabilizing energy costs, and catalyzing rural job creation.

“Every megawatt we generate isn’t just power—it’s progress,” he noted, highlighting the initiative’s scalability and its role in meeting Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) targets.

With Phase 1 alone projected to curb annual CO₂ emissions by 18,000 tons, the solar farm is poised to become a blueprint for sustainable mining-energy integration.

The developments arrive as Ndalamo cements its status as a 100% Black-owned industry leader, with stakes in key coal assets like New Clydesdale Colliery and Ubuntu Colliery.

By anchoring renewable energy within its mining stronghold, the company is rewriting the playbook for South Africa’s just transition—proving that coal country can also be solar country.