Under the auspices of His Excellency Mr. Andry Rajoelina, President of Madagascar, Rio Tinto QMM and CrossBoundary Energy marked a significant milestone in sustainable mining by inaugurating the Ehoala Solar Park in Fort-Dauphin. The project, a part of Rio Tinto QMM’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions, underscores the company’s dedication to responsible mining practices and environmental stewardship.
Rio Tinto QMM, in collaboration with CrossBoundary Energy, celebrated the inauguration of the Ehoala Solar Park, a pivotal step towards decarbonizing its ilmenite mine in Fort-Dauphin, Madagascar. The first phase of the project, boasting 14,640 solar panels generating 8MW of power, represents a tangible commitment to renewable energy adoption.
As part of Rio Tinto QMM’s broader vision of ‘Sustainable Mining,’ the solar power plant is poised to significantly reduce the mine’s carbon footprint while fostering socio-economic development in the local community through job creation and skills enhancement.
The partnership between Rio Tinto QMM and CrossBoundary Energy reflects a historic collaboration, drawing support from various Malagasy institutions and regulators, including the Ministry of Energy and Hydrocarbons, the National Environment Office, and Madagascar’s Civil Aviation Authority.
Isabelle Wabete, Managing Director of QMM, expressed the company’s dedication to realizing Rio Tinto’s decarbonization goals, emphasizing the project’s alignment with QMM’s commitment to sustainability and climate action in Madagascar.
Richard Stanford, Chief Technical Officer of CrossBoundary Energy, hailed the project’s significance in combating climate change, highlighting the partnership’s role in advancing renewable energy solutions in Madagascar.
President Andry Rajoelina commended the initiative as a pivotal step towards enhancing Madagascar’s resilience to climate challenges, affirming the government’s commitment to fostering sustainable industrial practices and protecting the nation’s environment.
The launch of the Ehoala Solar Park signifies a key advancement in the strategic partnership between Madagascar and Rio Tinto QMM, reinforcing their shared commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship, as outlined in the renewed fiscal agreement between the two parties in August 2023.
The inauguration of the Ehoala Solar Park heralds a new era of sustainable mining in Madagascar, underscoring Rio Tinto QMM’s leadership in responsible resource extraction and environmental conservation. As the project sets a precedent for renewable energy adoption in the mining sector, it paves the way for a greener and more resilient future for both the industry and the nation.
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