MINING ENERGY result, a new mining operation has to consider alternative power options to expedite and facilitate its evolution through the exploration, development and operational stages.”
Presently, he explains, mines are investing in capital-intensive permanent generating capacity to meet their power needs.“ Some mining companies are even in negotiations with local governments to take over closed hydropower plants. Both of these solutions require heavy financial outlay at a time when savings and cost-reductions are crucial for a mine’ s success.”
Mobile fast-track power is a solution that offers mining operations a unique value proposition: fast, flexible and full-service.
“ Mobile power modules and turbines are the size of a trailer, and can easily be transported to remote areas via air, road or sea. Once on-site, they can be up and running within 30 to 90 days,” Marsland said.“ These solutions also are easily scalable, and can be ramped up or down according to production requirements. The fact that they are located on site is particularly beneficial as the power does not have to travel long distances, reducing issues related to grid stability and aging transmission infrastructure,” Marsland says.
“ Power is another non-core process that mines should consider outsourcing until a reliable connection to the grid is available. This also allows the mine to focus on its core business,” he says.
“ By outsourcing mobile fast-track power, the supplier brings in its own staff to operate and maintain the plant, leaving the mine with no responsibilities when it comes to power generation other than paying the monthly bill,” Marsland concludes.
APR Energy is a world leading provider of fast-track mobile turbine power. It offers fast, flexible and full-service power solutions to provide customers with rapid access to reliable electricity when and where they need it, for as long as they need it. Combining state-of-the-art, fuelefficient technology with industry-leading expertise, its scalable turnkey plants help run industries around the world, in both developed and developing markets.
One recent example is the award of two five-year projects valued at more than $ 450 million by the Ministry of Energy and Mining of Argentina to provide a total 350 MW of generating capacity for South America’ s secondlargest country. The generating capacity will be split between two sites, using 14 of the company’ s state-of-the-art dual-fuel mobile gas turbines.
“ This is the largest single award in the history of APR Energy, and it is the result of having the best people and the best technology in our industry. I couldn’ t be prouder of our team,” said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer John Campion.
APR Energy has had a continuous presence in Argentina since 2008 and currently generates a combined 75 MW of power at three sites: Formosa, Magdalena and Sáenz Peña.
“ Our Argentina award further demonstrates that turbines have a key place in the fast-track power market. They are the preferred technology of
utilities and a solution that integrates well into their existing infrastructure,” Campion said.
APR Energy’ s mobile turbine fleet features the GE TM2500 + ™, one of the world’ s most widely used, reliable gas turbine solutions for fast-track applications. The highly mobile aero derivative turbine is capable of
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Serving as the sole source of electricity to Minera San Rafael’ s Escobal silver mine in Guatemala, APR Energy’ s local team received the 2015 Safety Recognition Award from the customer
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SEPTEMBER 2016 | International Mining 71