Pan African Resources said the R140 million (US$9.3 million) solar project, to be built by juwi South Africa, is expected to generate first power in the third quarter of 2021.

"This plant will be one of the first of its kind in the South African mining space.  We look forward to commissioning the operation during 2021, on budget and on schedule," said Pan African chief executive Cobus Loots.

The plant will provide an estimated 30% of demand for the company's Elikhulu Tailings Retreatment Plant during daylight. It will also help with power stability and result in an expected CO2 savings of more than 26,000 tonnes in the first year of its operation, added the company.

The company also wants to consider expanding the Evander solar plant to supply its planned US$66mln deep mine Egoli project. It is also mulling a similar facility for its Barberton Mines project, which is located about 250km northeast of Evander near the border with Eswatini.

"The Evander Mines solar photovoltaic plant is integral to the group's purpose of 'Mining for a Future' and pursuing ESG initiatives that go beyond compliance," said Loots.