First Mining Drc-Zambia 2023 First Mining Drc-Zambia July -August 2023 digital magazine | Page 5

NEWS

NEWS

Aggreko urges miners to prepare for hotter months ahead

Aggreko Mine Cooling

Prepare now for the Australian summer . That is the key message from a leading underground mine cooling manager as manufacturing , labour , and supply chain issues remain rife .

Aggreko Underground Cooling Sector Manager Mitch Bevan is encouraging mining construction , production , ventilation , and planning teams to prepare as early as possible for spring and summer , with rental demand at alltime highs on the back of unusually warm weather .
“ Rental cooling and ventilation solutions are a hot commodity on the back of postpandemic supply chain challenges and increasing production targets ,” Mr Bevan said .
“ Although Aggreko is not 100 % immune from world-wide supply chain challenges , we are in a fortunate position of having an agile business model , large equipment fleet and a global team of experts .”
As Manager of Aggreko ’ s Mine Cooling Business for the past four years , Mr Bevan has seen the effects of mines that are well-prepared – as well as underprepared – for hot temperatures .
“ For every megawatt of permanent refrigeration cooling , it ’ s upwards of $ 1.2 million in capital expenditure , and ventilation alone is about 30 % of a mine ’ s total operating costs ,” he said .
“ Refrigeration is an essential cost , however there are additional risks on top of this cost , associated with purchase , installation , and operation of large mechanical plants . Particularly in current times , projects are at elevated risk of cost and schedule over-run . The schedule over-run can be the most damaging due to the negative effect on forecasted production . Once the plant installation has been completed , there are further risks with operating the plant , such as sourcing labor , and responsibility of maintaining the plant over time .
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