Trafo Power Solutions, a key player in the African power sector, is solidifying its presence in Mozambique with a new contract to supply transformers for a mineral sands operation. The deal underscores the company’s specialized expertise in providing robust electrical solutions for the continent’s demanding mining environments.
The company recently delivered nine transformers to an electrical contractor for the project. The order included seven 800 kVA units designed for skid mounting, a feature that allows for easy mobility across the vast mining site. The remaining two were 160 kVA units for pole-mounting. All transformers are rated at 22 kV to 415 V, meeting the specific voltage requirements of the site.
This latest order follows a previous successful delivery of four dry-type transformers directly to the mine, which included 3150 kVA units. That initial supply’s reliable performance in the harsh, corrosive environment of a mineral sands mine was a critical factor in securing the new business.
According to David Claassen, Managing Director of Trafo Power Solutions, the corrosive nature of the mineral sands environment, with its high humidity and salinity, necessitates custom-designed equipment. “Our transformers are specifically designed to withstand these conditions, ensuring longevity and reliability in such an aggressive setting,” Claassen stated.
The transformers were also engineered to handle large non-linear loads from the mine’s Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) while minimizing electrical losses. They were built to SANS 780 Edition 5.1 standards to achieve the lowest possible losses and were designed to handle the site’s voltage fluctuations.
Beyond the technical specifications, the project presented significant logistical challenges due to the mine’s remote location. Claassen noted that careful planning was required to ensure seamless transportation and installation.
The new deal extends the partnership, with an additional order for 18 more transformers scheduled for delivery in the third quarter of this year. This ongoing collaboration highlights Trafo Power Solutions’ reputation as a trusted supplier of purpose-built transformers for Africa’s mining sector.
