CrossBoundary Energy has unveiled plans to spearhead the development of a groundbreaking hybrid solar photovoltaic (PV), battery energy storage system (BESS), and thermal energy project at the Baomahun gold mine in Sierra Leone.
Teaming up with FG Gold, a local gold mining company, the project aims to cater to approximately 90% of the mine's energy needs during daylight hours. In a press release, CrossBoundary highlighted that this initiative marks Sierra Leone's inaugural large-scale commercial gold mining endeavor and holds potential to serve as a blueprint for sustainable mining operations.
CrossBoundary Energy will finance the project's development and construction, featuring a comprehensive setup comprising 23.8MW of solar PV, 13.8MWh/13MW BESS, and a 21MW thermal plant. Construction is slated to commence in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Matt Fredericks, the global head of mining at CrossBoundary Energy, emphasized the innovative nature of the hybrid energy solution, stating, “Our innovative hybrid energy solution will not only provide cleaner and more cost-effective power but also set a new standard for sustainable mining practices in Africa.”
James Shoetan, Chief Commercial Officer at CrossBoundary, hailed the Baomahun Gold Mine project as a significant addition to their portfolio, showcasing their commitment to fostering sustainable economic development across African nations like Sierra Leone. He remarked, “The Baomahun Gold Mine project is a landmark in our portfolio and brings our mining portfolio to over US$150M across ten projects. It's also a testament to our mission to help boost sustainable economic development across African countries such as Sierra Leone.”
CrossBoundary's initiative aligns with its broader mission to advance renewable energy infrastructure across the African continent. In a notable partnership with the Bank of America announced in November 2022, the company aimed to explore financing solutions for solar PV and wind developments across Africa, bolstering its pipeline of renewable energy projects.
This endeavor mirrors a growing trend within the mining industry toward decarbonizing operations. Last month, the Barrick Gold Corporation unveiled plans to integrate solar PV installations at two of its sites in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Mongolia. The Canadian miner's initiative in the DRC involves the installation of a 16MW solar PV plant alongside a BESS, scheduled for completion in 2025.
