Reliable and efficient energy for a remote gold mine with custom operation solutions

Challenging environment

The Masbate mine, operating on 7 Wärtsilä engines with a total output of 47 MW, is located approximately 360 km southeast of Manila with no connection to the national grid, making the island-mode plant the sole provider of energy to the mine. This energy independency makes it critical to have a reliable power plant supplying energy for the mine at all times.  

Continuing partnership

Since 2009, Wärtsilä has been responsible for guaranteeing power availability and reliability at the Masbate mine, ensuring efficient operations of the power plant. The partnership has resulted in significant savings in both fuel and operating costs for PGPRC, along with reduced emissions.

Under the original Operation and Maintenance (O&M) agreement, Wärtsilä provided extensive technical support and maintenance services, ensuring the plant’s availability and reliability. Over the years, the agreement scope has been customised to meet PGPRC's evolving needs. The tailored agreement includes performance guarantees covering heat rate and annual availability, providing peace of mind to PGPRC and allowing them to concentrate on their core business.

In June 2019, Wärtsilä signed a four-year extension to the O&M agreement, further cementing the long-term relationship with PGPRC.

“Since 2009, Wärtsilä has operated and maintained our power plant, which has freed us up to concentrate on our main business of mining. They have carried out this work with the utmost efficiency and have tailored the agreement to meet our specific needs and wishes. We are very satisfied with Wärtsilä’s performance,” stated Eugene Occena, Process Plant Manager for PGPRC.

In June 2023, Wärtsilä renewed its O&M agreement for another five years. This extension emphasises the importance of power supply reliability for PGPRC's operations.

Wärtsilä has extensive experience in providing power to mining operations globally, often in challenging environments. Our engine technology is designed to perform efficiently in high ambient temperatures and with limited cooling water supplies. With Wärtsilä’s Lifecycle Solutions, PGPRC as well as other mining companies can benefit from reliable, efficient and cost-effective power that reduces the environmental impact of the operations throughout the installation lifecycle. The maintenance agreements are customised to meet the specific needs of each customer, ensuring maximum efficiency and reliability.