Adrian Gore’s Discovery Green inks 20-year deal to power mines

In a major step toward cutting emissions in South Africa’s mining sector, Discovery Green, the renewable energy arm of Discovery Group led by Adrian Gore, has signed a 20-year power supply deal with Glencore Operations South Africa. The agreement will replace most of the electricity used at four of Glencore’s major mining operations with renewable energy. 

The deal marks one of the biggest clean energy deals in the country to date. Starting in 2027, Discovery Green will deliver power generated from wind and solar projects to the Goedgevonden, Tweefontein and iMpunzi mine complexes near eMalahleni in the Nkangala District. Combined, the operations consume more than 290 gigawatt-hours of electricity a year. 

Discovery Green powers Glencore’s renewable shift

“We’re excited to support Glencore, a major player in South Africa’s economy, on their journey toward renewable energy,” said Andre Nepgen, head of Discovery Green. “This agreement is one of the largest of its kind in the country and the first we’ve designed with an offtaker to adapt supply as their operations evolve. It sets a model that other industries can follow.” 

Murray Houston, CEO of Glencore Coal South Africa, said the partnership fits squarely within the company’s broader Climate Action Transition Plan. “This is a key part of our strategy to decarbonize our South African operations while maintaining energy security,” he said. “It reflects our commitment to responsible mining, long-term sustainability and supporting South Africa’s energy transition.” 

Mines tap Discovery Green for clean energy

Glencore joins Sasol, Impala Platinum, Fortress REIT and Southern Sun among the growing list of companies turning to Discovery Green for renewable power. The energy will come from Discovery Green’s expanding portfolio of large-scale wind and solar farms and will be fed through the national grid to the mines.

“South Africa has some of the best renewable energy resources in the world,” Nepgen said. “This agreement shows how we can harness those resources to deliver clean, reliable power at scale. Our focus is on building the infrastructure and partnerships needed to unlock this potential.” 

Discovery expands into renewable energy

Founded in 1992 by Adrian Gore and Barry Swartzberg as a medical insurer, Discovery has grown into one of South Africa’s most diversified financial services groups. Gore, who holds a 6.71 percent stake, has reaffirmed the company’s growth outlook, saying profits are expected to exceed its medium-term target of inflation plus 10 percent without needing additional capital. 

Backed by Discovery Group’s actuarial expertise and financial scale, Discovery Green enables businesses to replace more than 90 percent of their electricity demand with affordable, price-stable renewable power. Through partnerships with major wind and solar producers, the company aims to play a significant role in the country’s shift toward cleaner energy. 

Discovery profit rises 27 percent, renewables deal

Discovery posted a full-year profit of R9.56 billion ($554 million) in 2025, up 27 percent from R7.55 billion ($437.5 million) a year earlier, lifted by strong performances in its health, life and Vitality businesses. In May, Discovery Green launched Ampli Energy with Sasol to provide renewable power to small and medium-sized firms with no upfront costs or long contracts. 

In July, Eskom took Discovery Green and five other firms to court to challenge their electricity trading licenses, arguing the new entrants pose risks to the national grid and could distort competition. The deal is expected to sharply reduce direct carbon emissions at these sites while providing Glencore with stable, predictable power costs over two decades.