APR Energy Responds to the African Energy Crisis and its Effects on the Mining Sector
Africa’s relationship with the mining industry has always been a long and prosperous one. However, the modern outlook on mining in the continent of Africa is calling for new technologies and more reliable energy practices in order for African mines to succeed in the coming years.
Africa hosts about 30 percent of the planet's mineral reserves, including 40 percent of all gold, 60 percent of cobalt and 90 percent of the world's PGM reserves. Nevertheless, according to Mbendi, these supplies of precious metals in Africa are grossly underexplored. Part of the reason for this under-exploration is a lack of dependable and cost-effective energy. Electricity is an integral part of the mining industry, and recent power deficits like the ones currently ongoing in Mozambique and South Africa have shown the ramifications that a lack of electricity can have on the industry.
In early 2008, mines in South Africa were forced to suspend production due to an electricity rationing technique commonly known as load shedding. Consultancy Africa Intelligence stated that this suspension of operation resulted in not only a loss of approximately ZAR 1.3 billion (approximately US 180 million at the time) to the industry itself, but also had a negative impact on the employment and economic growth of Africa as a whole.
Consultancy Africa Intelligence estimates that this power shortage crisis within the mining industry will continue for the next seven to eight years. For the mining industry to survive this period of power shortage, more energy-efficient practices and back-up electricity sources will have to be utilized.
APR Energy (APR) offers a valuable resource for ensuring the sustainability and profitability of Africa’s mining industry. APR’s Diesel, Gas, HFO and Dual Fuel Power Solutions operate with modular units that enable site development in remote locations such as mining facilities, where grid power is often limited or completely unavailable. These solutions represent an economical and reliable form of power generation and promote flexibility as well as eliminate production downtime. Our installations offer 100 percent availability at all times, allowing mines to maximize production without concerns relating to low hydro reserves or grid instability. An APR solution can also help expedite exploration and construction activities, eliminating the need to wait for grid power.
APR Energy’s experience and proven track record in providing power generation technology and flexible commercial terms demonstrates our commitment to supporting the needs of mining companies in Africa. Not only is APR powering your industry, but we are Powering Your Progress.
Contact:
Corp Communications
paul.marcroft@aprenergy.com
APR Energy
voice +1 904 223 8488
fax +1 904 223 8955
APR Energy – Powering Your Progress ™
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