Rio Tinto QMM Mine

The company’s operations involve open-pit mining, excavation, and processing of the mineral sands to produce the final products. QIT Madagascar Minerals employs advanced technologies and techniques to ensure the efficiency and safety of its operations.

Rio Tinto came to CrossBoundary Energy to provide a low-carbon energy solution for their mining operations at QMM. The solution was to use the abundant wind and solar resource, in combination with battery storage, to supply consistent and low-carbon energy for their operations. In 2021, the foundation stone was laid for the first phase of the renewable energy project – a 8 MWp solar park in conjunction with a 8.25 MWh battery facility. This first phase of the project was commissioned in August 2023, and inaugurated by the President of Madagascar, His Excellency Mr Andry Rajoelina, in April 2024.

The second phase of the project involves an expansion of the solar park by a further 6 MWp and an additional 8.25 MWh battery facility, providing a total solar and battery capacity of 14 MWp and 16 MWh respectively. In addition, the second phase involves the building of Madagascar’s first ever wind farm, a 16 MW solution comprising of 19 wind turbines that make use of the abundant wind resource in the area. Once this phase is completed and operational, renewable energy will provide around 56% of the mining operation’s total energy demand.

CrossBoundary’s renewable energy solution supports Rio Tinto QMM’s commitments to build a “sustainable mine”. The operation has implemented a range of initiatives to minimize its carbon footprint, reduce waste generation, and conserve water resources.