Set in a remote part of Coyhaique, Chile, Compañia Minera Cerro Bayo (CMCB) gold mine is now using four Atlas Copco QAC 1000 generators for critical power. The generators are managed by a power management system (PMS) to run in parallel, ensuring Predictable Power for the mine’s entire operations.As mains electricity is not available on-site, a reliable and constant supply of power is essential for daily operations. Mandalay Resources Corporation, the owner of the CMCB mine, chose Atlas Copco’s Predictable Power solution because it ensured low cost of operation. “The Atlas Copco solution offered us low fuel consumption in comparison to the other brands we considered,” explains José Guerrero, Maintenance and Service Superintendent, Mandalay Resources/CMCB mine. “Combine this with the technical superiority of the PMS system with Qc4002 controller, the high quality of the Atlas Copco aftermarket service and our positive past working experiences, and it was an easy decision.”

Four QAC 1000 generators operate in parallel with a Qc4002 controller to power the mine’s daily and critical operations, including drilling machines, electrical compressors, water pumps and lighting. The PMS ensures that the load is spread over the four generators, so maintenance intervals can be scheduled to reduce downtime. “We are happy to see Predictable Power providing low cost of ownership and reliable performance at Cerro Bayo,” says Joel Marihuen, AIG Salesman, Atlas Copco Chilena SAC. “Work at the mine is going so well that CMCB is even considering purchasing a fifth generator to expand operations.” Mandalay Resources is an international company that operates mines in Chile and Australia.