Efforts of Geita Gold Mining Company Limited (GGML) to start using electricity from the national grid from the Tanzania Electricity Company (TANESCO), have become more visible after the construction of a substation and electricity distribution lines to the mine to reach 95 percent.
Initially explaining more about the project, The Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Affairs (Africa) at AngloGold Ashanti, Simon Shayo said TANESCO has recently completed the construction of a 220-Kilovolt line from Bulyanhulu to Geita, and is in the final stage to complete a 6.1-Kilometre 33-Kilovolt line to the GGML mine. At the same time, the company is constructing a substation to step down the power output to 11 Kilovolts.
He also pointed out that many mining companies have relied on self-generated electricity since the 2000's. The government is now making a conscious effort to integrate the energy sector with larger manufacturing sectors by ensuring adequate power supply for large investors.
Shayo cited GGML as an example, which currently generates 40 Megawatts of electricity from its installed Diesel Powered Generators.
"Once TANESCO's electricity project is completed, the mine will be able to rely on the national grid, resulting in a 50% reduction in electricity costs, which translates into annual savings of USD 19 million," he explained.
By stopping captive power generation and connecting to TANESCO's national grid, GGML also aims to reduce carbon emissions by 81 Kilotonnes by 2030.
“As the country plans to invest heavily in the mining sector and establish mineral mines in various regions, TANESCO is expected to see a significant increase in revenue due to the increased electricity consumption of these mines,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment