Embracing TECHNOLOGY
production ,” says Marcro� . “ �is is leading to job losses and reduced re venues , w hich have signi cant downstream impacts on Zambia ' s economy and the welfare of its people .” Even without the drought , access to reliable electricity can be a challenge for mines , which o�en operate in remote locations far from the local grid system . “ Mines need a solution that provides reliable power fast to ensure they can continue to operate safely and remain pro table ,” says Marcro� . Marcro� says that fast-track , turnkey power is a readily available and affordable solution for the mining s e c t o r t h a t c o u l d e l i m i n a t e vulnerability to an unreliable supply of electricity . “ Unlike permanent power sources , this distributed power solution uses easily transportable modules to provide the mine with
dependable and dedicated electricity when and where it is needed , in as fast as 30-90 days .” He explains that fast-track turnkey power features state-of-the-art gas turbine technology and diesel- and gas-powered reciprocating engine generators . “ �ese pop-up power plants are scalable from 10-100 MW ( or more ) providing the exibility to ramp up s u p p l y b a s e d o n t h e u s e r ' s requirements . �ese mobile power plants can be an ideal solution as they require minimal capital investment from the mine , which needs only to provide the land and fuel .” In addition , the capacity can be located near demand , reducing the need for t ransmission and distribut ion infrastructure , while also cutting the power loss that occurs as electricity travels long distances across the grid , says Marcro�
�e ability to self-power can be extremely bene cial to a mining operation when the national grid is under pressure , when transmission lines or power stations are down due to maintenance work , or when the mine is based in a remote location awaiting development of transmission and distribution infrastructure . W h e n i t c o m e s t o c o s t , i t i s understandable that mine operators in Southern Africa may hesitate at the idea of paying for a turnkey , selfpowering solution – whether as s u p p l e m e n t a l o r s t a n d - a l o n e generating capacity – when they are a c c u s t o m e d t o i n e x p e n s i v e hydropower . “ However , the region ' s mine operators ultimately must weigh the signi cant bene ts of self-powering with reliable and safe mobile generation against the heavy cost of lost production and revenue ,” says Marcro� .
Measure , Control , Improve ... minute by minute
On-belt Real Time Analysers
· Base metals ( Cu , Zn-Pb , Ni ) · I ron ore , manganese , bauxite , phosphate · Coal
· Moisture · More than 1,000 installations worldwide · Accurate , low maintenance , safe and reliable · 30 years of proven performance in Africa · L ocal support by experienced engineers · Performance guarantees , no risk
Contact us : Australia + 61 7 3710 8406 Zambia + 260 212 222 606 sales @ scantech . com . au www . scantech . com . au FMDZ | May - June 2016 | Page15