The turnout and enthusiasm at the recent Electra Mining Africa exhibition was a reminder of mining’s strategic value to Africa – and the growing contribution being made by dry-type transformers.
David Claassen, managing director of dry-type transformer specialist Trafo Power Solutions, says safe and cost efficient mining paves the way for Africa’s economic development. As the world looks increasingly to this continent for battery minerals, for instance, it is also wanting to know that mining is conducted responsibly and competitively.
“Dry-type transformers attracted considerable interest at Electra Mining Africa, as mines recognise the safety benefits of using air rather than oil to cool this equipment,” says Claassen. “The absence of oil, combined with robust design, also adds to reliability and lowers the cost of ownership, ensuring that Africa’s mines compete with the world’s best.”
Augmenting Trafo Power Solutions’ extensive experience in Africa is a technology partner that understands the importance of designing specific solutions to meet customers’ needs. Italy-based manufacturers TMC Transformers therefore sent a senior director to Electra Mining Africa to actively engage with visitors to the Trafo Power Solutions stand.
“As TMC, we understand the harsh and dusty conditions in mines,” says Andrea Ghidini, group marketing and sales director at TMC Transformers, speaking from the exhibition. “Our designs take account of the various technical challenges that transformers must face on mines, from vibration and jolting to the challenging environmental factors.”
Claassen highlights that while many manufacturers focus on standard products for limited applications, the partnership between Trafo Power Solutions and TMC generates specialised designs that match customer requirements. These extend even to units suitable for coal operations – underground or surface, which must comply to stringent health and safety regulations. He also noted that a strong theme among exhibitors at Electra Mining Africa this year was sustainability.
“As the mining sector embraces more demanding environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles, mines look for ways to reduce their footprint,” he says. “By ensuring no risk of oil leakage, dry-type transformers are making a valuable contribution to mines’ environmental sustainability targets.”
