The Cat G3520K natural-gas generator set (Credit: Caterpillar)

West Gold Mining Limited has selected two Caterpillar G3500K series gas generator sets to supply off-grid power for a new gold mining operation in Kazakhstan’s remote Aktobe region.

The mine is located almost 300km from the nearest city and has no existing electricity infrastructure. The project team considered extending the grid but concluded that the distance and associated costs made onsite generation a more practical option.

Following a feasibility study, West Gold Mining and equipment distributor Borusan Cat opted for a gas-fired power system designed to operate continuously in prime power mode, independently of the national grid.

The generator sets will operate in island mode, supplying electricity directly to the mining site. The modular configuration is intended to accommodate changes in demand as construction progresses and production expands.

Beken Erik, chief executive of West Gold Mining, said the project required a power supply that could operate independently while supporting the company’s longer-term plans. He cited the equipment and local service support as factors in the selection.

The generators will be housed in containerised enclosures designed for the region’s seasonal temperature extremes, which range from around -30°C in winter to above 30°C in summer.

Local maintenance capability and spare-parts availability were also considerations in the procurement. Borusan Cat will provide technical support, with a Customer Value Agreement planned after installation and commissioning to cover ongoing maintenance.

The installation will provide the mine with a dedicated electricity supply without requiring a connection to the existing grid. For remote industrial developments, gas-fired generation can offer an alternative where network extension is technically difficult or economically unattractive, provided a suitable fuel supply is available.

The project’s final capacity, commissioning date and expected fuel consumption have not been disclosed. The two generator sets are intended to establish the initial power supply, with the system designed to accommodate future changes in the mine’s electricity requirements.