Blackham Resources has enlisted the help of Cummins and its new HSK78G gas generator to power up production at the Matilda-Wiluna gold operations in Western Australia, according to the engine manufacturer.

Blackham’s power supplier, Perth-based Contract Power Group, selected the newly launched Cummins HSK78G generator to supply prime power for the next stage of expansion at the mine. The new gas-powered generator will provide up to 20% of the mine’s power as the company strives to increase its production.

Located 500 m above sea level, Matilda-Wiluna is subject to extreme temperatures, ranging from -2° C to 50° C throughout the year. Considering these conditions, the HSK78G’s capability to deliver power in remote areas and extreme climates – generating up to 1,800 kWe in ambient temperatures of 55°C – was a crucial requirement behind the choice to select the generator, Cummins said.

With a power density of 2 MW from the new Cummins 78-litre, V12 gas engine, the HSK78G provides high electrical efficiency up to 44.2% on a wide range of pipeline natural gas down to 70 methane number (MN) without impacting power and efficiency output, according to the company.

Craig Wilkins, Director of Cummins Prime Power Segment and Global Sales Support, said: “It’s an exciting time in the power solutions sector and we’re delighted to deliver the latest innovations in gas generator technology to Blackham Resources. The company operates on a massive scale and required a sizeable dependable power generation solution to operate in difficult conditions. Cummins’ HSK78G offered the required performance levels as well as one of the industry’s longest major overhaul service cycles of 80,000 hours.”

Marc Grosser, General Manager of Contract Power Group, said: “We are happy with the performance of the unit so far and the associability of maintenance items. It’s a compact unit and very well designed. Cummins have ensured there is fast service and support when called upon, despite our extremely remote location.”

Blackham expects to produce 70,000-80,000 oz of gold in its 2020 financial year and aims to progress its Sulphide Expansion project to unlock the large sulphide reserves and resources it has delineated at Wiluna.