| Work Detail |
Rio Tinto QMM took the step towards decarbonising its ilmenite mine Rio Tinto QMM (QIT Madagascar Minerals) took an important step towards decarbonising its ilmenite mine in Fort-Dauphin through a partnership with CrossBoundary Energy to build and operate a solar and wind power plant. The first phase of the Ehoala Solar Park, inaugurated in April 2024, comprises 14,640 solar panels generating 8MW. The second phase of the project includes the expansion of the solar farm by 6MW and the construction of a 19-turbine wind farm with a capacity of 16MW. Wind, solar to help reduce emissions at mine in Madagascar This transition to renewable energy is part of Rio Tinto QMM’s efforts to build a sustainable mine by adopting responsible practices such as reducing emissions, managing waste and water responsibly, and restoring the local environment. QMM is a joint venture between Rio Tinto (80%) and the government of Madagascar (20%), also producing zirsill, used to make ceramic tiles and electronics, and monazite, a rare earth mineral used in renewable energy technologies, such as high-power permanent magnets for wind turbines and electric vehicles. According to the International Energy Agency, Madagascar’s energy mix was dominated by biofuels and wastes (85%) in 2019, with oil products (11%), coal and hydropower accounting for the rest of the total energy supply. The solar power plant, involving various Malagasy institutions, is an essential step towards realising Rio Tinto’s sustainable mine vision while providing tangible benefits such as job creation and skills development for the local community. ESI |
