Temporary power and temperature-control solutions supplier Aggreko can provide mining companies with reliable solutions, enabling them to continue their operations without interference, says Aggreko Southern Africa GM Martin Foster.

“Our temperature control systems are typically brought in when infrastructure goes off-line, owing to breakdowns or necessary maintenance, or when additional capacity is required to supplement systems at the height of summer,” he tells Mining Weekly.

Foster adds that, while Aggreko is commonly known for supplying rental power to mines, utilities, major events and heavy industries, it also sees the value of supplying rental temperature-control solutions, typically serving many of the same industry sectors as its power business.

The company began developing its temperature-control systems for the Australian mining industry 15 years ago. “Working with customers who were already buying power from us, we started supplying additional cooling capacity to mines during peak summer months. The systems worked well – customers were happy and the business developed from there.”

Aggreko supplies a full range of water and air-cooled chillers, cooling towers and bulk air coolers that use an environment-friendly refrigerant system, says Foster, adding that the company develops and manufactures all its equipment in-house.

The equipment is completely modular and can, therefore, be configured to offer custom-designed solutions for the requirements of each individual project.

“The flexibility of the rental option means that our kit is easily off-hired when it is no longer required. We meet our customers’ immediate cooling requirements, avoiding production delays, as well as the financial burden of large capital investments,” explains Foster.

He adds that Aggreko’s temporary cooling solutions compete with the most technically advanced capital builds, with the advantage of their being completely mobile and having the flexibility to quickly add or decrease capacity when required, says Foster.