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02 Jan 2025

Jason Brewer, CEO, Marula Mining Talks Power, Renewables, and Opportunities for East Africa

Jason Brewer, CEO, Marula Mining

Marula Mining, the African-focused mining and development company, aims to advance sustainable mining. We spoke with CEO Jason Brewer about projects in Tanzania and Kenya, and how mining and energy can mutually benefit each other and the communities they serve.   

 

What do you see as the importance of the East Africa Energy Cooperation Summit for the region?

Each of the countries in the region is embarking on massive projects towards economic growth. And to achieve that, you need long- term energy solutions, which in turn need vision and a co-ordinated plan.

Without energy, you cannot start delivering on any of your hopes of developing major projects that are going to bring long term benefits to your citizens.

This summit highlights the broader impact that energy can have in the region – a region that has the potential to be 100% renewable. 

There is no reason to be using fossil fuels.  Some of the countries have tremendous oil and gas reserves, but East Africa is uniquely positioned to lead in geothermal – which Kenya is obviously spearheading – as well as solar, wind, and hydro power.  

From my point of view, EA-ECS is about showcasing the region to investors as a hub for sustainable growth, renewable energy, and transformative projects that can boost employment, improve living standards, and change lives.

 

Can you tell us about your mines in the region and any project plans?

We are developing a copper mine in Tanzania, with commercial sales expected to begin by year-end 2025, and our graphite projects in the Dodoma region are on track to start production then too.

In Kenya, we have two manganese mining operations and are exploring further projects in copper and in graphite.  We’ve started on a fairly small scale but are looking at major expansion.

In Tanzania, we have plans to move away from a lower value copper concentrate to producing a copper cathode. This is a tremendous project in terms of its scale, but we are limited because of the current power availability.   

Addressing this power challenge is a critical focus for us in 2025, and essential to unlocking the full potential of the project and delivering benefits to local communities.

In Kenya, we're moving away from basic mining and looking at value-added opportunities across the battery metals sector.

To do that, we need access to power. One of the great benefits in Kenya is that you can always guarantee that 100% of your power is renewable.  As a socially responsible mining company, this is very important to us.

We want to work with groups who can focus on mining as a sector that they can support, for example with solar power stations. 

Collaborating with experienced private sector partners who understand the risks and opportunities of mining is essential as we look to scaling our operations to their full potential across East Africa.

 

How do you think the mining and energy sectors can connect and mutually benefit each other?

Mining projects can serve as powerful catalysts for economic growth, sustainable business enterprises, and improved infrastructure.

Where utilities and power companies might be holding back on putting energy into a region, mining can act as the base load.

We can be the key industry that makes it compelling for them go ahead and put in the transmission lines, substations and investment which otherwise would not be justified.

Mining rarely occurs near major cities; it's typically in areas lacking historical development, where companies are reluctant to invest without assurance of returns.

Both the mining and energy sectors are commercial enterprises, so mutual benefit is key.

Utilities need a base load; we need reliable power.

Relying on diesel generators is a short-term fix but not a sustainable or economical long-term vision.

Mining's role is clear: it can anchor the infrastructure development that regions need to thrive.

 

How do you address your power needs currently, and are there plans to change?

We are somewhat constrained by the availability of power.

The Kinusi copper mine in Tanzania is an example. The design and production parameters are set for operations to start up in the second half of 2025, based on the limited power available in the region.  

Going forward, we need to take control and partner with dynamic energy companies who can support us with small hydro and solar projects.  

I expect significant progress in Tanzania in 2025 as we push ahead with this.

 In South Africa, we have a lithium mine in the Northern Cape where we will be establishing a major processing facility, and are already in discussions with providers for a large solar plant to support our growth.  

Reliable power for mining is critical, as disruptions can have a major impact on equipment and operations.

I see the current constraints changing significantly as we move forward, finalise partnerships, and put in place the more sustainable, renewable energy solutions that we need.

 

The potential for young people in the energy sector could be huge – what initiatives is Marula involved in?

We have internship programs that are both office-based and out in operations.

These are currently focused in Kenya, where we work with one of the universities.

Geologists, young graduates, and students out in the field are gaining practical experience with us that will lead to full-time job opportunities.

We also have other students, including recent graduates in finance and in human resources.

We’re working with the Mining Engineers Society of Kenya (M.E.S.K), and we want to expand our programmes through Tanzania too.   

One of the biggest challenges here in Kenya, and in many African countries, is that there is such a well-educated young population, but unemployment levels are very high.

There are several universities that allow people to study and qualify as geologists, mining engineers, and mineral processors, but many young people graduate without any experience, and the opportunities for them just aren't there.

We're trying to create a platform that gives them practical experience while they're at university and an opportunity immediately after graduation.

We will do as much as we can. There are lots of initiatives, and we will keep pushing them out there.

 

 What are you most looking forward to, and what would you like to see come out of conversations at the summit?

I had a great time last year, as it allowed me to connect with people I don't usually see.

This is an opportunity to showcase the projects we are developing, expanding, and aiming to impact in these countries and to get on the radar screen of people who can help us achieve our goals.

Meeting people is key. And one of the great things about the summit is the government involvement -  I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to engage face-to-face. 

I'm looking forward to coming out of the summit with the solutions that we've been pushing for our energy needs.

We've been out there chasing, and I'm hoping that with the awareness of what we're doing, and the kind of approach that we take, people will view us as an opportunity.

I’d like to see a competitive playing field where various groups could provide power solutions for us, recognising us as a long-term player with robust mining projects, where they can justify getting involved and putting in place the necessary infrastructure to support us. 

That’s what I’d love to see.

Hear from Jason in the panel discussion Powering the Mining Sector – Understanding Current Needs at EA-ECS on Thursday 30 January.  Book your delegate place here.  

 

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