SRK Consulting
BESTECH provided electrical engineering support for a feasibility study of SRK’s Soto Norte gold project.
This project aimed to evaluate and enhance the electrical and power infrastructure essential for mining operations, ensuring sustainability and efficiency from the start.
SCOPE
The initial phase involved creating an automation and communications plan, preparing detailed drawings for accurate capital cost estimations, and updating load estimates and annual load profiles. Considerations included transitioning from diesel to utility power, with a capital cost estimate provided for the electrical infrastructure and inputs for the operating cost estimate.
BESTECH also handled the daily energy balance of vehicles, specifically LHDs and haul trucks, and developed a BEV operating philosophy. The team delineated the infrastructure for BEVs and calculated capital costs for chargers and related infrastructure.
OUTCOME
The feasibility study equipped the Soto Norte gold project with a practical plan for implementing a reliable and efficient electrical system utilizing BEV technology. This support clarified initial and operational costs, aiding strategic decisions on power generation and BEV integration, ensuring operational readiness and positioning the mine as a leader in technological innovation and environmental sustainability in mining.