Electricity and Control January 2024

DRIVES, MOTORS + SWITCHGEAR : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

A ‘long-distance’ mine winder drive upgrade

Towards the end of last year ACTOM Industry secured a breakthrough contract to upgrade the drive and control system of a mine winder at a gold mine in Ghana. The mine is one of several gold mining operations in Ghana that are owned and operated by a leading inter national gold mining company. “We view this contract as a ground-breaking achievement for ACTOM Industry as we have been selected to replace original equipment manufactured and supplied by an OEM that is not in any way connected with us,” said Janna Kapp, General Manager at ACTOM Industry. “In most of our mine winder drive and control system contracts, we are responsible for the design, assembly, supply, installation and commissioning of each system ordered. However, in this instance, due to various regulations prevailing in Ghana that make it unworkable for us to participate in any of the on-site work involved, we had to negotiate a project plan with the client which would allow us to deliver and execute the project without undue risk to either party.” Janna said. “The agreed project plan will ensure that the required standards and competence for the on-site work are adhered to without ACTOM Industry’s personnel being present in Ghana,” he said. “In terms of the project plan, the client undertakes to procure and supply the labour

force required for the installation work.” The contract, due for completion in the first quarter of 2024, is for the replacement of the aging and outdated Ward Leonard motor-generator set and associated electrical and control systems with ACTOM Industry’s state-of-the-art dc system. This comprises

ACTOM Industry has been awarded a contract to replace the drive and control system of a mine-winder at a gold mine in Ghana.

a thyristor converter system, which will regulate the dc voltage supply to the retained 2 635 kW motor, and other equipment including transformers, switchgear and a safety and control system. Janna highlighted that ACTOM Industry’s system is “more efficient, less expensive and less maintenance intensive than the legacy system it replaces”. “Having won this important winder upgrade contract in Ghana, we believe we stand a good chance of soon being awarded further winder drive and control upgrade contracts for some of the other operations there,” he said.

For more information visit: www.actom.co.za

JANUARY 2024 Electricity + Control

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