Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) – a subsidiary of Rio Tinto specializing in heavy mineral sands extraction and refining in South Africa – has secured its third power purchase agreement (PPA) with independent power producer Red Rocket South Africa to ensure energy security at its mines.
The agreement will provide RBM with 230 MW of electricity from the 380 MW Overberg Wind Farm. The wind far is scheduled for commissioning in the Western Cape Province in December 2026.
“The Overberg Wind Farm project represents the biggest project in RBM renewable energy procurement and is a key step towards RBM achieving its commitment in line with the target set by the Rio Tinto Group, to reduce its emissions by 50% by 2030, relative to the 2018 baseline, and achieve net zero by 2050,” stated RBM Managing Director Werner Duvenhage.
The deal increases RBM’s total electricity to be provided via PPAs to approximately 500 MW. Previous agreements include PPAs for the 130 MW Bolobedu Solar PV project and the 140 MW Khangela Emoyeni Wind Farm.
The three PPAs will reduce RBM’s annual emissions by 60% from 2018 levels, with the company consuming roughly 1.8 TWh per annum.
