Containerized High-Voltage Generator Project for Koka Gold Mine, Eritrea

Koka Gold Mine in Eritrea adopts PAUWAY PWM series containerized diesel generator sets as the main power source for mineral processing and mining production. The unit is customized to high-voltage output of 10.5kV, 50Hz, with prime power (PRP) of 1600kW, integrated inside standard shipping container to realize integrated mobile high-voltage power station, greatly reducing long-distance transmission loss in large mining areas.

Project Background & Tender Award

Large open-pit gold mines feature wide mining area and scattered production workshops. Conventional low-voltage generators require supporting step-up transformers, accompanied by obvious line loss and complex on-site layout. Directly output 10.5kV high-voltage generator sets can be directly connected to the mine’s 10kV power distribution network, simplifying power distribution system and improving power supply efficiency. Containerized all-in-one design facilitates ocean transportation, rapid on-site hoisting and commissioning, which perfectly matches the construction characteristics of overseas remote mining projects.

Core Technology & Equipment Configuration

Generating Units

The project selects PAUWAY PWM series containerized high-voltage diesel generator, single unit prime power 1600kW, rated voltage 10.5kV, frequency 50Hz. The whole machine is pre-installed inside a standard container, integrating main engine, high-voltage alternator, intelligent parallel control cabinet, fuel system, fire protection, ventilation and noise reduction structure. It can be put into operation after only external cable access on site, realizing plug-and-play deployment.

Project Positioning

Mobile integrated high-voltage main power station for gold mine, directly accessing mine 10kV power grid to supply power for crushing, grinding, mineral separation, drainage and large mining equipment, supporting multi-unit parallel capacity expansion according to subsequent production demand.

Equipment Features

• Direct 10.5kV high voltage output, no extra step-up transformer needed, lower transmission line loss
• 1600kW PRP main power rating, stable continuous base-load operation suitable for 24h mining production
• Standard container integrated structure, convenient for sealed packaging and international sea transportation
• Built-in high-voltage protection, overvoltage, short-circuit and insulation monitoring functions to ensure grid access safety
• Reinforced dust-proof, sand-proof and anti-corrosion design adapting to arid and dusty mining environment in Eritrea
• Support multi-machine parallel group control, remote monitoring and unattended automatic operation

Project Significance & Challenges

Project Value

The containerized high-voltage generator set simplifies the mine power distribution architecture, improves power transmission efficiency and reduces comprehensive construction and operation costs. It provides stable long-term power guarantee for the sustainable exploitation of Koka Gold Mine, and expands PAUWAY’s high-voltage container power solution benchmark cases in East African mining sector.

Execution Challenges

Complete high-voltage insulation withstand test and factory grid-connected simulation verification; optimize container internal ventilation and heat dissipation to avoid overheating under high-load continuous operation; strengthen air intake filtration system to block mineral dust from entering the unit; complete cross-border logistics and guide on-site high-voltage access safety commissioning.