After a 2019 feasibility study, Centamin plc, a gold mining company listed in London and Toronto, has decided to implement a 30MW AC solar power installation at its principal asset, the Sukari Gold Mine in Egypt, according to International Mining. The mine is currently powered by captive generators that burn up to 100 million liters of diesel.
The study indicated that a minimum of 36MW DC / 30MW AC peak power hybrid solar plant would be the optimal capacity for an initial staged integration to the processing plant. Notably, Sukari is located in Egypt’s Eastern Desert, which enjoys some of the highest levels of solar irradiance globally, annualizing over ten hours a day of sunshine. Nevertheless, battery storage of 7.5MW is needed to manage start-up and shut down surges.
The solar project, which is scoped over 85 hectares, would cost $37 million and meet about 25% of Sukari’s energy needs. Its capacity can be expanded in the future if so required.
Annually, it would save 18-20 million liters of fuel and reduce CO2 emissions by 48,000 – 53,000 tonnes.
The project is expected to complete by 2021 and payback in about three years.
Read the International Mining article HERE.
Image Source: Centamin Presentation