Eskom, South32 in talks over long-term power solution for Hillside smelter

South32 and Eskom are determined that Hillside should avoid the fate of Mozal, which was wound down in March this year after failing to agree on a new long-term electricity tariff. From Moneyweb.

Hillside is too significant to leave to chance – with 3 500 direct employees and close to 29 000 across the broader economy – and South32 and Eskom are determined to find a long-term solution. Image: Dhiraj Singh/Bloomberg

South32 is in discussion with Eskom over a new long-term electricity solution for its Hillside aluminium smelter in Richards Bay – five years before the existing power supply agreement expires in 2031.

The Australian-headquartered mining group is determined to avoid the fate of its other key smelter in the region, Mozal in Mozambique, which was placed in care and maintenance in March this year after failing to secure sufficient power at an affordable price, despite negotiating for six years with Eskom and the Mozambican government. Continue reading.

About Ciaran Ryan 1446 Articles
The Writer's Room is a curated by Ciaran Ryan, who has written on South African affairs for Sunday Times, Mail & Guardian, Financial Mail, Finweek, Noseweek, The Daily Telegraph, Forbes, USA Today, Acts Online and Lewrockwell.com, among others. In between he manages a gold mining operation in Ghana, and previously worked in Congo. Most of his time is spent in the lovely city of Joburg.