CrossBoundary Energy completes acquisition of 13.9MW solar plant at Zimbabwe’s Blanket Mine

Globally, the mining sector accounts for approximately three to seven percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. There is increasing pressure to reduce the environmental footprint of mining while maintaining productivity. Projects like the Blanket Mine solar facility demonstrate how distributed renewable energy can help achieve both sustainability and economic goals.

The solar plant, originally constructed by Caledonia Mining Corporation and commissioned in 2023, has already demonstrated remarkable impact. Since coming online, the facility has generated over 57,000 megawatt-hours of clean electricity, significantly reducing the mine’s reliance on expensive diesel-powered generators.

“The mining sector is essential to economic growth and prosperity in Zimbabwe and beyond; yet, power supply can be a significant barrier to sector growth,” said Tessa Lee, Chief Regulatory Officer at CrossBoundary Energy, during the handover ceremony. “This is where distributed energy resources — such as the Blanket Mine solar plant — can play an outsized role.”

Addressing critical energy challenges

The acquisition comes at a crucial time for Zimbabwe’s mining sector, which faces ongoing power supply challenges that can hamper growth and productivity. The solar facility currently meets approximately 21% of Blanket Mine’s energy needs, providing both cost savings and enhanced energy security.

Under the 17-year power purchase agreement, CrossBoundary Energy will handle ongoing maintenance and operations of the plant, allowing Caledonia Mining Corporation to focus on core mining activities while freeing up capital for deployment to other operational priorities.

“CrossBoundary Energy’s acquisition of the facility under a 17-year power purchase agreement will enable Blanket Mine to focus on its core operations by relieving them of ongoing maintenance of the plant and by freeing up capital for deployment to core mining activities,” Lee explained.

Expanding our portfolio across Africa

The Blanket Mine solar plant represents a strategic addition to CrossBoundary Energy’s growing portfolio across Africa. The company now operates over 57 MW of energy generation and 30 MWh of energy storage assets, serving major industrial clients including Rio Tinto, Unilever, Diageo, and Heineken. Another 256 MW of generation and 548 MWh of battery storage assets are currently under construction.

CrossBoundary Energy focuses on decarbonizing industry by providing clean, affordable, and reliable power directly to African businesses. We are now one of the largest providers of energy to mines and industrial players in Africa, with a combined portfolio of over 526 MW.

Government support drives success

The successful completion of this transaction highlights Zimbabwe’s progressive regulatory approach to distributed energy, with strong government backing for renewable energy development. Hon. July G. Moyo, Minister of Energy and Power Development, emphasized the government’s commitment to private sector participation in the energy transition.

“It is heartening to note that Caledonia has responded to our call for private sector participation in renewable energy development,” Minister Moyo said during the handover ceremony. “The strategic investment by Cross-Boundary Energy in this solar facility not only underscores a strong vote of confidence in our nation’s renewable energy potential but also highlights Caledonia’s proactive leadership in advancing sustainable practices.”

Lee commended the Ministry of Energy and Power Production and the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) for implementing frameworks that actively encourage industrial renewable energy deployment. “Nearly 200 MW of on-site energy projects have already been licensed in Zimbabwe, including large-scale systems like this one,” she said, acknowledging the supportive role of government agencies, including the Zimbabwe Investment and Development Agency (ZIDA) and the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe.

Future expansion plans

Looking ahead, CrossBoundary Energy is exploring opportunities for further renewable energy expansion at the Blanket Mine site. The company is working closely with Caledonia Mining Corporation to develop additional capacity that could increase the mine’s renewable energy utilization beyond the current 21%.

“To our esteemed partners at CrossBoundary Energy—thank you for your professionalism, technical excellence, and commitment throughout this journey. This handover marks not an end, but the beginning of an enduring partnership,” commented James Mufara, Chief Operations Officer, Caledonia Mining Corporation.