Tharisa (THS ) received its first renewable energy from Etana Energy in September 2026.
The initial supply from Etana is expected to meet approximately 10% of the current monthly electricity demand created by operations at the Tharisa platinum and chrome mine in South Africa.
This marks a material step in Tharisa's strategy to reduce energy costs and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
Initial supply comes from wind-energy generated in Mpumalanga.
Under the long-term power purchase agreement signed in July 2024, Etana Energy is set to supply approximately 70% of Tharisa Minerals' current electricity demand, including solar from the first quarter of 2027 and further wind energy later in 2027.
The renewable supply goes towards supporting Tharisa’s target of a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030.
By sourcing renewable electricity through the grid in this manner, Tharisa Minerals can reduce its reliance on conventional grid electricity, supporting lower energy costs and a reduction in Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.
The PPA was negotiated and signed prior to the commencement of the underground project and the 70% coverage relates to the open pit operation at the Tharisa Mine.
The Tharisa underground project is expected to double the operation's electricity demand as mining activities extend below surface, which moves a lot of the energy requirement from diesel to electricity.
Tharisa is therefore preparing to procure additional renewable energy supply to support the complete mine's future requirements and maintain progress towards decarbonisation targets.
View from Vox
There's more work to be done on this score, but Tharisa is making significant progress in its plans to decarbonise its South African operations. As the company's output expands the power requirement will grow, but having these supply arrangements and relationships already in place will ease the transition to renewables that is already well underway.