The 33 MW Lefa mine heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plant has been inaugurated in Guinea. The Project Manager, Brian said, “I am happy to report that the new power plant in Guinea has been completed. I want to express my gratitude to our partners from SUMEC and Hyundai.
Above all, I want to thank the local team that completed this challenging project in under 18 months. Despite the difficult circumstances brought on by a global pandemic, we have been successful.”
He further stated, “The new Lefa mine heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plant in Guinea enables us to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, it enables us in generating green power for our Lefa mine. As well as supporting prospective resource expansion for the mine in the area. We remain committed to investing in Guinea and bringing advanced technology to Africa.”
Reported earlier
April 2020
33MW power plant to be constructed in Guinea to power Lefa mine
A new 33 MW power plant is set to be constructed in Guinea to power the Lefa mine, one of the world’s largest gold mines owned by Nordgold Group, in a bid to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide sustainable power generation for the mine.
The Lefa mine heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plant will be designed and constructed by China manufacturing service group SUMEC, a member of China National Machinery Industry Corporation (SINOMACH), following an engineering, procurement, and construction agreement signed with the gold producer.
The new heavy fuel oil facility
The new heavy fuel oil facility is expected to be delivered by the end of 2021. It will cost around US$23m. Hyundai Heavy Industries Co., Ltd will supply the power plant’s main generating equipment. The company is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of heavy industrial machinery. Additionally, it is the largest shipbuilding company based in Ulsan, South Korea.
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Other essential construction materials such as sand, cement, and gravel amongst others will be sourced locally from Guinean suppliers. This according to Nordgold will create an income opportunity for the community. Hundreds of additional jobs will also be created during the course of the construction.
Sustainable Development
Upon completion, the Lefa mine heavy fuel oil (HFO) power plant in Guinea will replace the existing power plant. Consequently, it will reduce both fuel consumption for electricity production by 15% and engine oil by 30%. This will result in the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 17,000 tons a year. This is in favor of Nordgold’s climate change objective as well as its commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
“The power plant will enable a significant reduction in operating costs, and enhance the stability of the electricity supply for over 15 years of Lefa’s life of mine. Furthermore, it will increase employee safety with the installation of the latest fire detection systems,” stated the Nordgold Group.
