Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe, [email protected]
CALEDONIA Mining Corporation consumed a total of 134 060 772 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity in 2025, with 81 percent of its power requirements supplied from non-renewable sources and 19 percent generated by its solar plant, highlighting the continued importance of conventional energy sources in sustaining mining operations.
According to the company’s latest Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, total power consumption increased from 120 778 817 kWh in 2024 to 134 060 772 kWh in 2025, reflecting increased operational activity at Blanket Mine.
The report shows that 108 040 656 kWh of electricity consumed during the year came from non-renewable sources, comprising power imported from the national grid through the Zimbabwe Electricity Transmission and Distribution Company (ZETDC) and electricity generated by diesel-powered generators.
Of this amount, 104 956 618 kWh was sourced from ZETDC, while 3 084 038 kWh was generated using diesel generators.
Renewable energy contributed 26 020 116 kWh, all of it generated by the Blanket solar plant.
The figures indicate that approximately 81 percent of the mine’s electricity requirements were met through non-renewable sources, while solar energy accounted for the remaining 19 percent.
Caledonia commissioned the Blanket solar plant as part of its strategy to improve energy security, lower operating costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The ESG Report shows that while solar generation declined slightly from 27 090 293 kWh in 2024 to 26 020 116 kWh in 2025, renewable energy continued to make a significant contribution to the mine’s power mix.
Power intensity metrics also increased during the year. Total electricity consumption per tonne milled rose to 162 kWh from 151 kWh in 2024.
Similarly, electricity consumption per ounce of gold produced increased to 3 373 kWh per ounce compared to 1 576 kWh per ounce recorded in the previous year.
As one of Zimbabwe’s largest gold producers, Caledonia continues to invest in energy infrastructure to support production growth while advancing sustainability objectives through the integration of renewable energy into its operations.
The company said balancing grid electricity, backup diesel generation and solar power remains critical to ensuring uninterrupted mining operations and maintaining production efficiency at Blanket Mine.
