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Reliable power solutions light the way for mining

Load shedding and power cuts are dominating all aspects of life, and many businesses and industries are looking at innovative ways to reduce their dependence on grid power, increase productivity, reduce operating costs and be gentler on the environment. This is a monumental but not impossible task for South Africa's mining industry, which is making the switch and investing in renewable solutions. Financial services company, Deloitte, notes that energy is one of the biggest expenses for mining companies, constituting approximately 30% of total operating costs.^[1]

“While renewable and solar energy solutions can make a massive impact and save the mining industry millions in electricity costs, it does require robust, quality battery solutions to ensure energy is stored and seamlessly available on demand,” said Murray Long, managing director of First National Battery.

All renewable and solar energy applications need battery solutions to store power, and the type of battery depends on how much power is required, weather conditions and space availability. In addition, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) are critical to provide emergency power during outages. Not only do they protect equipment from a power interruption, they also eliminate spikes and voltage fluctuations.

Trusted power solutions to keep mines at their peak

Mining operations also require robust traction battery solutions to power their locomotives, drill rig machines, scoop batteries, hauler batteries and mining cap lamps. An industrial battery solution is an investment and must be manufactured to the right specification, using quality materials to meet international standards. Reliability, durability, performance and safety are essential.

Traction energy solutions should be manufactured for specific applications and machinery to be reliable, go the distance, and be easy to maintain. A quality traction battery should be manufactured to minimise exposure to the elements and reduce corrosion, for enhanced longevity and performance. With long working hours underground, miners must always have reliable power for their cap lamps. Lithium-ion mining cap lamps are fast becoming the preferred solution.

While lithium-ion power solutions are paving the way toward renewable energy, conventional industrial and vehicle battery solutions are still essential for the mining industry. Many local and international mines trust a local range of high-quality mining batteries to keep their operations performing at their peak, with charged and powered vehicle fleets, locomotives, forklifts, standby power, renewable energy and solar energy.

For more information contact First National Battery, www.battery.co.za

References

^[1] https://businesstech.co.za/news/energy/605778/south-africas-mining-industry-which-consumes-almost-a-third-of-eskoms-power-supply-wants-to-free-up-more-energy-for-the-rest-of-us/

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