Meeting the Challenges of a New Era in Mining, the ‘Age of Electrification’

May 28, 2024

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With more than 40 years in the industry, CSE Uniserve has become a trusted name in delivering tailored energy solutions to the mining and industrial sectors.

This extensive history, combined with a commitment to continual growth and innovation, has enabled CSE Uniserve to remain at the forefront of evolving needs to match the rapid pace of the sector at large.

Operators in Western Australia’s mining industry, whilst fortuned with abundant opportunity, are equally faced with unique barriers to optimising projects. At a time where performance, output and energy efficiency are all paramount, there is a constant need for exploration and adaptation to ensure sustainability and continuity on a functional level.

CSE Uniserve has stood at the forefront of delivering tailored energy solutions to mine operators across all stages of the mining project lifecycle, from materials handling and crushing, to process plants and power generation.

With the focus now shifting towards electrification and renewable energy sources, mine operators face an era of transformative change; an era which necessitates solutions that meet the evolving demands of shareholders, investors and the community.

Technological innovation will be the key to driving progress in this field. In that context, we explore three standout products that have emerged as essential tools for miners seeking to optimise their operations. These solutions provide the ability to monitor, manage and allocate energy use in a more precise and data-driven way.

Solutions For Heavy Industry, Suited to Australian Conditions

Fuji FRENIC MEGA G2 Variable Speed Drive: Mining’s Trusted Workhorse

Reliability is the bedrock of the mining industry, and the Fuji FRENIC MEGA G2 Variable Speed Drive is purpose-built to deliver just that.

Renowned for its rugged build and dependable performance, the G2 has earned its stripes as a trusted choice for heavy-duty applications in mining and industrial settings. Customers have praised the system’s user-friendly interface, long lifespan and ability to withstand the harshest environmental conditions.

The G2 is employed across a wide range of mining applications, including crushing, material handling, pumping systems and extraction fans, allowing precise flow control, adjustable speed management and enhanced process and energy efficiencies.

The G2 stands out in the VSD market due to its durability in hot climates. This unit is designed to excel in heated environments, capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 50°C without de-rating and still being able to produce 200% overload with no struggles.

An update on the popular G1, this latest version introduces the option to externally mount the heat sink, enabling the dissipation of heat through the wall of the Motor Control Centre (MCC). This significantly reduces the cooling requirements for the MCC, enhancing its overall efficiency and performance.

Offering expanded power ratings and flexible configurations that support up to 800 kW, this equipment is designed for long lifespans and improved maintenance functions.

Designed as a retrofit solution for the preceding G1 model, another plus is the user’s ability to seamlessly upgrade their technology, meaning mining operations can adopt the G2 without the need for a complete overhaul of their existing systems.

GE Multilin Agile: A Game-Changer for Small to Medium-Sized Mine Operators

The GE Multilin Agile is a newcomer to the power grid protection and control scene, but it is already making waves in mining sector applications.

Perfectly suited to Tier 2 and Tier 3 mine sites, the Multilin Agile has been designed to be more cost-competitive, whilst still providing all the essential features – including protection, control, monitoring and metering – in one compact platform.

This powerful and highly capable device provides extensive data-logging capabilities, oscillography and event capture, empowering users to make informed power network decisions swiftly and effectively, and enhancing service reliability and availability.

One of the standout features of this system is its simplicity. Designed with ease of use in mind, it can seamlessly integrate into existing setups and infrastructure.

It comes equipped with an intuitive graphical display, which significantly enhances its effectiveness in monitoring, communication and troubleshooting. This user-friendly interface streamlines the process of managing and diagnosing issues.

Its draw-out design is another noteworthy feature, making testing, commissioning and maintenance a breeze. This design simplifies the process of accessing and servicing components, minimising downtime and hassle.

Within a single hardware solution, the GE Multilin Agile can handle both basic and advanced feeder protection requirements. This standardised approach allows for easy upgrades through firmware updates, eliminating the need for complex hardware replacements and ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving needs.

Cybersecurity is at the forefront of GE Multilin Agile’s design, with the system featuring CyberSentry™ Advanced Cybersecurity to prevent unauthorised access and cyber-attacks.

As the mining industry joins the global drive towards decarbonisation, the Fuji FRENIC Mega G2 and GE Multilin Agile empower organisations to make the critical shift towards energy efficiency without compromising on reliability and performance. CSE Uniserve is delivering tailored energy solutions that equip mine operators with innovative tools to navigate the challenges and opportunities of this rapidly changing landscape.