Powering A Gold Mine With LNG
Powering a gold mine with LNG
- The Challenge
Find an alternative power source for a mine facing difficult options
- The Impact
30 per cent reduction in fuel costs, carbon footprint reduced
- The Solution
LNG-fuelled power package
Client:Gold mine
Location:USA
Sectors:Mining
The Challenge
Find an alternative power source for a mine with strict parameters
A gold mine that lacked access to the grid had been powering their operations for the past couple of years with just two generators. They were right next to native lands, meaning their footprint had to be small and their expansion plans modest; but they were struggling to keep up with the output of other mines.
What’s more, they were about to hit emission compliance issues, which meant they had to find an alternative power source quickly. Their choices were limited. They could spend a lot of money to upgrade, wait for the grid to reach them, or shut down altogether. We knew we could come up with a better option.
The Solution
A tailored power package that goes beyond safety standards
We went to Prometheus Energy, one of the largest suppliers of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and together we came up with an option our customer had not previously considered. Taking the time to consider all the angles and collaborating with another company is something we do because we know it gets a better result. We designed a 3.6 MW temporary power plant using LNG as a fuel source. This addressed all their headaches: the costs, the emissions compliance issue and the lack of space to expand.
Together with Prometheus, we installed two 1.3 MW natural gas power generator units, and a 1 MW diesel power generator for backup, within 14 days. Going above and beyond the standard for mine safety, we also equipped each unit with fire suppression and venting shut-down systems.