• Hongfuhan plans to invest $155.2 million in a 30MW solar-plus-storage project to power the Kamoa Mining complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

• The project is projected to generate $48.7M in annual revenue and achieve an internal rate of return (IRR) of approximately 12% over 15 years.

• Slated for completion by mid-2026, the venture highlights China's strategic integration of renewable energy with African mining operations.

Shenzhen Hongfuhan Technology Co., Ltd. has announced a plan to co-invest in a significant renewable energy project designed to power the Kamoa Mining complex in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The company anticipates the venture will generate annual revenues of approximately $48.7 million, with a projected net profit of $29.2 million, resulting in a substantial net margin of nearly 60%.

The initiative, formalized under the "KAMOA Mining 30MW Digital Energy Photovoltaic Energy Storage Power Station Project Investment Cooperation Agreement," will be developed in partnership with Green World Energie SARL and Société de Développement du Commerce et de Construction SARL. The construction timeline for the 30MW solar-plus-storage facility targets completion by May 30, 2026, with grid connection expected by the end of July of the same year.

The project's total investment is approximately $193.9 million. Hongfuhan is set to contribute the majority share with up to $155.2 million, while Green World Energie will provide no more than $38.7 million. The facility's planned location in Lualaba Province places it strategically within the DRC’s copper and cobalt belt, ensuring a reliable and cleaner power source for the Kamoa mine, which is one of the world's largest copper deposits.

Financial forecasts indicate that the station will generate annual gross profits of approximately $29.7 million, achieving a gross margin exceeding 69%. Over a 15-year operational period, the project is expected to yield an internal rate of return (IRR) of about 12%.

Beyond its profitability, this project highlights China’s growing presence in Africa’s energy and mining sectors. By pairing mineral development with renewable energy infrastructure, Chinese companies are solidifying their role in global supply chains for critical materials, such as copper and cobalt, while helping to address power shortages in resource-rich regions.

However, experience with previously announced projects in the country suggests that risks persist. Infrastructure developments in the DRC can face delays due to logistical challenges and regulatory uncertainty, while political volatility adds another layer of complexity. Still, if executed on schedule, the Kamoa Mining solar and storage initiative could become a benchmark model for aligning sustainable energy with industrial mining, delivering both strategic and economic value for its backers.

Idriss Linge