SRK Consulting
SRK Consulting engaged BESTECH to support the pre-feasibility study for the proposed Sakatti underground mine project, commissioned by Anglo American.
The study focused on the identification and evaluation of mine infrastructure systems necessary to support the development of a new underground operation in a remote and sensitive northern environment.
SCOPE
BESTECH’s role in the study included detailed evaluation of infrastructure requirements to support a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) fleet, including battery sizing based on equipment specifications, quantifying charging demands, evaluating various charging philosophies, and determining the electrical load implications for the power distribution network. Localized cooling requirements to support charging infrastructure in underground environments were also assessed.
In addition to the BEV work, BESTECH evaluated and provided recommendations for the mine’s power distribution network, main dewatering system, tunnel ore and waste transport via a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), data communication and management infrastructure, and mine automation and remote control systems. These assessments were developed to a pre-feasibility level of detail and were accompanied by supporting cost estimates, a preliminary project schedule, and engineering drawings.
OUTCOME
The study provided Anglo American and SRK with a comprehensive understanding of the infrastructure and utility requirements for the Sakatti underground development. The findings offered clarity on the feasibility of adopting a fully electric fleet and defined the supporting systems needed to enable this transition.