Name of the Project
Wonderfontein Solar Plant.

Location
Wonderfontein Colliery, in Belfast, Mpumalanga, South Africa.

Project Owner/s
Ndalamo Energy, a subsidiary of 100% black-owned and -managed midtier mining company Ndalamo Resources.

Project Description
A prefeasibility study has determined that Ndalamo Resources’ Wonderfontein colliery is the ideal site for its new energy initiatives.

The study proposes a 66 MW solar PV project on a 136 ha site within the colliery area. 

The project will be rolled out phases. 

The first 10 MW phase will power Ndalamo’s operations, with the remaining 56 MW aimed at supplying other customers through Ndalamo’s TradingCo subsidiary. This phase includes key infrastructure upgrades, such as a 6.6 kV substation to allow for net metering, and an existing 22 kV line for power distribution across Ndalamo’s North Block Complex and New Clydesdale colliery. 

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Capital Expenditure
Not stated.

Planned Start/End Date
The project is scheduled to break ground in the second quarter of 2027, while commissioning is expected by the third quarter of 2028, after financial close, which, in turn, is expected in early 2027.

Latest Developments
Ndalamo has started project development. It is progressing towards the appointment of a technical development partner, which “will take place after a stringent procurement process”, Ndalamo Resources energy executive head Nikash Rughubir has said.

The scope of work for the technical development partner includes all technical aspects, regulatory approval and progressing the project to financial close.

A range of definitive site assessments, technical studies and the design of the solar PV facility will be prioritised while preparation for the financing, contracting and procurement phase will be undertaken.

Ndalamo will also ensure that all permitting and licensing requirements – such as National Energy Regulator of South Africa registration, licensing from State-owned power utility Eskom and environmental authorisation – are implemented.

Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Not disclosed.

Contact Details for Project Information
Ndalamo Resources, tel +27 12 140 3360.