(Ecofin Agency) – Sabodala-Massawa, Senegal’s largest gold mine, delivered more than 345,000 ounces in 2021. Reliability of power supply being a determining factor for a gold mine, strengthening the electricity network of the Senegalese complex by Wärtsilä can improve its performance.
The Finnish group Wärtsilä, specialized in the supply of electric generators, announced on Tuesday August 16 the conclusion of an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract with the Canadian gold mining giant Endeavor Mining. The agreement concerns the installation of an autonomous electricity production unit with a capacity of 18 MW at the Sabodala-Massawa gold complex.
In detail, the Finnish company will install three Wärtsilä 32 engines which, we learn, have an energy efficiency 20% higher than that of the engines currently used in the current Sabodala-Massawa power station. According to Wärtsilä, this project scheduled for completion at the end of 2023 should lead to an increase in the gold production capacity of the complex. Endeavor Mining did not provide any indication of the magnitude of this increase.
« Wärtsilä 32 motors have earned a strong reputation for efficiency and reliability, even in the harshest conditions, eliminating revenue loss from power outagesnevertheless explains Marc Thiriet, the company’s Regional Director for West Africa.
As a reminder, the Sabodala-Massawa complex is the largest gold mine in Senegal. It delivered 345,280 ounces of gold last year and its owner is aiming for gold production there this year of between 360 and 375,000 ounces.