Aggreko Successfully Completes Remote Power Project for Labyrinth Resources Mining Exploration

­Aggreko announces it has successfully deployed a remote power project using its virtual pipeline power approach. The solution enabled Labyrinth Resources Limited to complete a challenging mining exploration project while reducing CO2 emissions and fuel costs.

Labyrinth Resources needed remote power for a 5-month gold mining exploration project. The site is in a harsh, remote location on the Quebec–Ontario border, where no grid power is available. Temperatures in the region fall as low as -30°C. In addition to extremely low temperatures, the high cost of diesel fuel was also a concern. Labyrinth Resources needed a portable power solution that would operate in the site’s harsh environment using a better fuel source.

Aggreko assessed the need and conditions and recommended a virtual pipeline power system to deliver compressed natural gas (CNG). The company set up a CNG power plant by installing two 300 kW natural gas generators and a 60 kW diesel generator to deal with peak loads. The virtual pipeline approach facilitated smoother delivery of CNG by way of 48-foot containers trucked to the mine site.

During its 5-month operation, the Aggreko virtual pipeline power solution reduced CO2 emissions by approximately 75 tons versus diesel generators, reduced NOx emissions by 10 tons, and saved over $300,000 in fuel costs. This allowed the customer to put more resources into the mining exploration itself, with a significant reduction in emissions to meet local regulations and avoid fines.

“We appreciate the support of the Aggreko team,” said Matt Nixon, Chief Executive Officer at Labyrinth Resources Limited. “The selection of a lower-emission fuel source for our power requirements aligns with Labyrinth Resources ESG policies and reinforces that sustainable solutions for our operations are decision drivers, as opposed to afterthoughts.”

“At Aggreko, we have deep experience in powering remote locations and providing clean CNG power,” said Geoff Bland, Product Manager for Power Generation and Energy Storage at Aggreko. “Our equipment and engineers were fully capable of dealing with harsh conditions and reducing emissions.”

“The mining industry is undergoing an energy transition as it moves towards integrating renewable and alternative fuel solutions,” said Steve Stafford, Sales Leader for Manufacturing and Mining at Aggreko North America. “The Aggreko virtual pipeline power solution allowed the customer to get the job done faster, more cost-effectively, and with a significant reduction in emissions.”