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AngloGold Ashanti Ltd, Obuasi Mine

Project Summary

Background

AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) is a global gold mining company with 20 operations on four continents. The Obuasi mine is located in the Ashanti region of Ghana where mining operations are primarily underground, to a depth of 1.5km. In recent years, the Obuasi mine has faced significant operational challenges with ageing plant requiring repair or replacement.

After high partial discharge readings were notified to AngloGold engineers on the KMS2 mine winder MG set drive motor, the search was on to find a supplier for a replacement mechanically interchangeable and electrically similar motor.

As a critical drive at the Obuasi mine in Ghana it was key to AGA to procure from a known proven supplier. Having had a long historical relationship with AGA, Quartzelec were the partner of choice.

The Project

Quartzelec reacted speedily, first to quote, then to inspect on site and finally to design, draught and confirm the quotation for a replacement motor solution for AngloGold. It was Quartzelec’s inherent ability to react speedily to AGA’s request that helped secure this replacement motor business for the Rotating Machines service flagship in Rugby.

After surveying the existing motor within a single shift to ensure no loss of production was incurred, the electrical design was checked against original motor parameters to ensure compatibility and mechanical interchangeability was checked with detailed site inspection.

Working closely with strategic suppliers Quartzelec were able to delight AGA in the supply of this interchangeable drive motor.

Full professional and swift support was also provided during the installation and commissioning phase where removal of old, replacement with new, installation (both mechanical and electrical) and commissioning were completed by a skilled team of Quartzelec personnel within 36 hours. 

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