Photo: B2Gold
Technology group Wärtsilä has signed a five-year renewal of its operation and maintenance agreement with B2Gold subsidiary Philippine Gold Processing & Refining for the Masbate gold mine power plant.
Wärtsilä has operated and maintained the plant, which is the sole source of electricity for the remote mine, since 2009.
“The plant’s availability, efficiency and reliability are critical to our operations. Wärtsilä has provided the professional support to ensure that we get the power we need for the past fourteen years, so it was natural that we continue this agreement,” said Ryan Rusk, president at Philippine Gold.
The recently expanded power plant has a maximum output of 47 megawatts. In the Philippines, Wärtsilä has altogether 1600 MW; 104 MW is operated by Wärtsilä under O&M agreements.
Masbate is located approximately 360 kilometres southeast of Manila on Masbate Island in the Philippines. It is expected to produce between 170,000 and 190,000 ounces of gold in 2023.
Source: Wärtsilä