Caterpillar has announced the installation of two Cat® G3500K series gas generator sets supplied by Borusan Cat for West Gold Mining Limited’s new gold mining operation in the remote Aktobe region of Kazakhstan. The generator sets will operate in prime power mode, providing continuous electricity at a site built without access to grid power. Located nearly 300 kilometers from the nearest city and lacking existing electrical infrastructure, the mining operation required an independent generation solution capable of supporting operations from the outset.
Extending grid infrastructure was considered, but the distance and associated cost made onsite generation a more practical option. A detailed feasibility study determined that a self-sustained gas power solution could reduce reliance on external infrastructure while meeting the mine’s immediate requirements and supporting its future growth plans.
Off-Grid Power Designed for Growth
West Gold Mining Limited and Borusan Cat selected two new Cat G3500K series gas generator sets to provide dependable off-grid power for continuous operations. The system is designed to operate in island mode independently from the grid, generating the required electricity onsite while providing scalability as production requirements change. “We needed a power solution that could operate independently off the grid while supporting our long term plans.
The Cat solution, along with the local support provided, gave us confidence in both performance and future scalability,” said Beken Erik, chief executive officer, West Gold Mining Limited. The Cat G3500K gas power solution is intended to balance efficiency, performance and scalability, creating a foundation for the operation as production requirements evolve. ‘‘This project demonstrates how we help customers solve practical energy challenges by delivering reliable, scalable power systems backed by local expertise, service and long-term support,’’ added Melissa Busen senior vice president, Cat Electric Power.
Designed for Demanding Mining Conditions
The generator sets will be deployed in containerized enclosures selected to support reliable operation across the site’s demanding seasonal conditions. Temperatures in the Aktobe region can fall to -30°C during winter and rise above 30°C in summer. The scalable power system is expected to support the mine as construction progresses, helping enable production while also accommodating potential future expansion.
For West Gold Mining Limited, the ability to establish continuous power without relying on grid infrastructure is central to the development of the remote operation. The deployment demonstrates the role of off-grid gas power in supporting mining facilities located far from established electrical networks.
Local Support for Long-Term Operation
In addition to the equipment itself, West Gold Mining Limited prioritized access to local service, dependable parts availability and on-the-ground technical support. Borusan Cat’s technical collaboration and established support capabilities contributed to the company’s confidence in both the power solution and the team supporting its operation.
Following installation and commissioning, a Customer Value Agreement is planned to provide maintenance support and additional peace of mind for long-term operation. With the mining site being developed in an area without existing electrical infrastructure, the combination of onsite generation, scalable capacity and local support is intended to provide the operational foundation required as the project moves toward production and future expansion.
