Enabling mining operations to implement electrical infrastructure that can scale and adapt as needs change helps avoid costly re-engineering at a later date, says Trafo Power Solutions. By engaging from the concept phase, the company says it can help mines plan for shifting equipment layouts and changing load requirements, ensuring transformers and substations are future-ready from the outset.

“Mining is dynamic by nature, and this fundamentally shapes our approach to designing transformers, modular substations and other solutions for the sector,” explains Trafo Power Solutions MD David Claassen.

Mines typically require high-level estimate numbers during concept or desktop studies and this is where the company begins helping mines to shape their longer-term electrical strategy, says Claassen.

“We get involved at prefeasibility, or even concept, stage,” he notes. “Our tender and proposals department is geared to provide indicative costing very quickly - using our wide reference base where we have detailed data on our extensive installed footprint.”

Customers are guided through the available options in aspects such as transformer sizing, substation placement and modular configurations, aimed at meeting the needs of initial load requirements as well as future requirements across the life-of-mine plan.

This approach can help to control initial startup costs, while providing flexibility as the project evolves. Claassen notes that containerised modular substations are increasingly favoured by mining customers because of advantages such as mobility, scalability and reduced civil works requirements.

“Modular substations lend themselves to flexibility because of their plug-and-play design,” Claassen says. “Our skid-mounted or mobile options are ideal for mining operations where relocation is expected, whether underground or on surface.”

A focus on the full lifecycle of a mine ensures that electrical infrastructure can be aligned with long-term operational needs and gives mines the ability to increase production, shift layouts or accelerate expansion plans without being constrained by equipment designed only for the initial build.