Anglo American Project GAIA - Proposed Solar Photovoltaic Project Associated with the Venetia Diamond Mine in the Limpopo Province

Anglo American in partnership with the EDF Renewables have announced their agreement to form a new jointly owned company, Envusa Energy, to develop a regional renewable energy ecosystem (RREE) in South Africa. A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), named Venetia Solar PV Project (Pty) Ltd, has been established to apply for the required permits for the proposed Venetia Solar PV Project.

Venetia Solar PV is proposing to apply for Environmental Authorisation (EA) and Water Use Authorisation (WUA) for the development of a solar photovoltaic (PV) facility and associated infrastructure. The Venetia Diamond Mine (Venetia Mine) owned by De Beers, operates 24 hours per day and therefore is a large consumer of Eskom power supply. The development of the solar PV energy facility will offset the Venetia Mine’s electricity consumption from Eskom. The solar PV facility will result in consistent power supply and a reduction in the cost of energy for the current and future mining operations at the Venetia Mine.

The proposed development site is located to the southeast of the Venetia Mine on Portion 4 of the Farm Rugen 105 MS, with associated infrastructure (electrical grid infrastructure) located on Portion 1 of the Farm Venetia 103 MS.

SLR Consulting South Africa (Pty) Ltd (SLR), an independent firm of environmental consultants, has been appointed by Anglo American to manage the environmental authorisation process.

Status

Notice is hereby given that Anglo American Plc and De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited was granted Environmental Authorisation on 6th March 2026, however a copy was only received by the applicant on 10th March 2026, for the above-mentioned project in terms of the National Environment Act, 1998(No. 107 of 1998) (NEMA) and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Regulations 2014 (as amended).

Copy of the EA can be downloaded below.