Chilean copper mine Compania Minera Dona Ines de Collahuasi SCM, also known as Collahuasi, has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with solar power producer Sonnedix for the delivery of 150 GWh per year. The PPA is for a 24/7 supply of 100% renewable energy according to a statement from Sonnedix.
Collahuasi is the second-largest copper mining operation in Chile and the sixth-largest worldwide. The company produced 565,000 tons of copper and posted revenues of $3,147 million in 2019.
The company’s copper deposit of 10,380 million tons is one of the largest in the world. Its industrial facilities and the Rosario and Ujinaa mines are located in the commune of Pica, Tarapacá Region, where Sonnedix is constructing Sonnedix Atacama Solar – a 170 MW solar PV plant.
Sonnedix is a global, independent solar power producer, and its PPA with Collahuasi will ensure that 12% of the copper mine’s power requirement is met through renewable sources.
Jorge Gomez, CEO of Collahuasi, said the PPA would allow the miner to consolidate its transition to 100% green electricity, and augment its search for sustainable operations throughout its value chain.
Read the Sonnedix release HERE.
Image Source: Collahuasi.cl