PROJECT CATEGORY

Strategic Consulting (Interconnect and System Studies)

PROJECT SUMMARY

The Kansanshi mine of Zambia is the eight largest copper mine in the world, and the largest copper mine in Africa. The mine started production in 2005, and produced 270,724 tons of copper and 167,395 ounces of gold in 2013 alone. By 2015, the mine had increased its production capacity to 400,000 tons of copper.

Kansanshi Mining PLC (KMP) required a protection coordination study for the mine. The study was performed to ascertain and implement the best possible protection coordination for the mine’s medium voltage 33kV / 11kV distribution network.

The KMP electrical network includes the mining area, total plant area, smelter area and all outside service areas, as well as the KMP golf estate and Trident College, which comprises six (6) 33kV feeder breakers, a main 33kV / 11kV distribution network and an emergency generator power station.

ADM, in conjunction with RWW Engineering (RWW), was tasked to perform the protection coordination study and implement the findings. The study started from and included the service provider’s (ZESCO) six (6) 33kV KMP feeder breakers and extended to the main KMP 33kV / 11kV distribution network. The study also included the emergency generator power station and the generator earth (ground) fault protection.