Koné Gold Project
85 MVA, 225 kV Power Transformer
& Substation Project
High-voltage transformer solution for gold mining power infrastructure
Project Overview
CTSS for Koné Gold Project
CTSS supplied 2 × 85 MVA, 225 kV Power Transformer & Substation Project
The Koné Gold Project is a major gold mining development in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa, developed by Montage Gold Corp.
The project is designed as a large-scale open-pit gold mine and processing operation, with a planned mine life of approximately 16 years. Construction commenced in December 2024, with first gold production targeted for the end of the fourth quarter of 2026.
A key part of the project infrastructure is its high-voltage electrical power supply system, which connects the mine to Côte d’Ivoire’s national electricity grid through a new 225 kV transmission connection.
The project includes a new 225 kV substation equipped with two 85 MVA power transformers, providing a total installed transformer capacity of 170 MVA.
Key Project Data
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Koné Gold Project |
| Location | Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa |
| Project Developer | Montage Gold Corp. |
| Project Type | Gold Mining & Mineral Processing |
| Mine Life | Approximately 16 years |
| Grid Operator | Compagnie Ivoirienne d'Électricité (CIE) |
| Grid Connection Voltage | 225 kV |
| Main Substation | 225 kV Substation |
| Power Transformers | 2 × 85 MVA |
| Total Transformer Capacity | 170 MVA |
| Transmission Connection | New 225 kV overhead transmission line |
| Production Start | December 2024 |
| Target First Gold | End of Q4 2026 |
Project Overview
CTSS Power Transformer Solution
225 kV Grid Connection
The Koné Gold Project is connected to Côte d’Ivoire’s national electricity grid through a new 225 kV transmission connection.
The project requires a new high-voltage transmission line connecting the mine site to the existing national 225 kV network. According to project disclosures, the new transmission line extends for approximately 20 km from the existing grid connection toward the mine’s electrical infrastructure.
The electrical supply architecture can be summarized as:
National 225 kV Grid
↓
New 225 kV Transmission Line
↓
225 kV Mine Substation
↓
2 × 85 MVA Power Transformers
↓
Medium-Voltage Distribution System
↓
Gold Processing Plant & Mine Infrastructure
This grid connection provides the main source of electrical power for the mining operation and processing facilities.
Project Reference
| Project | Koné Gold Project |
|---|---|
| Country | Côte d’Ivoire |
| Developer | Montage Gold Corp. |
| Industry | Gold Mining |
| Electrical System | 225 kV |
| Power Transformers | 2 × 85 MVA |
| Total Transformer Capacity | 170 MVA |
| Substation | 225 kV |
| Grid Connection | Côte d’Ivoire National Grid |
| Transmission | New 225 kV overhead transmission line |
| Application | Mine and mineral processing plant power supply |
| Construction Start | December 2024 |
| Target First Gold | Q4 2026 |
Conclusion
The Koné Gold Project demonstrates the scale and complexity of electrical infrastructure required to supply a modern large-scale gold mining operation.
With a 225 kV national grid connection, a dedicated 225 kV substation, two 85 MVA power transformers and a new high-voltage transmission line, the project represents a substantial mining power infrastructure reference in West Africa.
For power equipment manufacturers, EPC contractors and electrical infrastructure suppliers, the project provides a useful reference for understanding the electrical requirements of large mining and mineral processing developments, particularly projects requiring high-voltage grid connections and large-capacity power transformers.
Koné Gold Project
Location Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa
Project Developer Montage Gold Corp.
Project Type Gold Mining & Mineral Processing
Mine Life Approximately 16 years
.
2 × 85 MVA Power Transformer Configuration
One of the key electrical infrastructure components of the Koné Project is the installation of two 85 MVA power transformers at the 225 kV substation.
Main Transformer Configuration
Quantity: 2 units
Rated Capacity: 85 MVA per transformer
High-Voltage System: 225 kV
Total Installed Transformer Capacity: 170 MVA
The two-transformer configuration provides substantial installed electrical capacity for the mine and processing facilities while also supporting operational flexibility and power system reliability.
The 170 MVA total transformer capacity is suitable for a large-scale mining operation with significant continuous electrical demand from crushing, grinding, mineral processing, water systems, pumping, workshops, camp facilities and other mine infrastructure.
225 kV Substation
The project includes a dedicated 225 kV high-voltage substation serving as the main electrical interface between the national grid and the mine’s internal power distribution network.
The main electrical infrastructure includes:
- 225 kV incoming transmission connection
- 225 kV high-voltage switchgear
- High-voltage busbar system
- Protection and control equipment
- Metering equipment
- 2 × 85 MVA power transformers
- Transformer protection systems
- Substation control and monitoring systems
- Auxiliary power systems
- Cable systems and cable trenches
- Medium-voltage distribution infrastructure
The substation forms a critical part of the project’s overall electrical infrastructure, converting and distributing grid power for use throughout the mine and processing plant.
225 kV Transmission Line
The Koné Project also involves the construction of a new 225 kV overhead transmission line.
The transmission infrastructure includes:
- 225 kV overhead transmission line
- Transmission towers
- Tower foundations
- High-voltage conductors
- Insulators
- Earthing and grounding systems
- Line protection
- Connection to the existing national grid
- Termination at the Koné 225 kV substation
Project construction updates have reported progress on tower foundations, tower erection, conductor installation and insulator installation.
The transmission line is therefore an integral part of the mine’s power supply system rather than a standalone substation development.
Power Supply for the Mining Operation
The electrical system is designed to support the major power consumers associated with the Koné mining and processing operation.
These include:
- Crushing and ore handling systems
- Grinding and milling equipment
- Gold recovery and processing systems
- Carbon-in-leach processing
- Water supply and pumping systems
- Tailings infrastructure
- Workshops and maintenance facilities
- Mine services
- Accommodation and camp facilities
- Communications and control systems
- Other auxiliary mine infrastructure
A stable high-voltage grid connection is particularly important for a large mineral processing operation because many of the major process systems operate continuously and require a reliable electrical supply.
Backup Power Generation
In addition to the national grid connection, the project includes backup diesel generation capacity.
The project originally included approximately 10 MW of backup generation capacity. Montage Gold subsequently announced plans to add approximately 32 MW of additional backup generation capacity.
The additional generation capacity is intended to improve the project’s power resilience and provide backup support for the processing plant in the event of interruptions to the grid supply.
The combined backup generation strategy provides an additional layer of power supply security for the mining operation.
Project Construction Progress
Construction of the Koné Gold Project commenced in December 2024.
Recent project updates have reported significant progress on the electrical infrastructure, including:
- Installation of the 225 kV power transformers
- Construction of the 225 kV substation
- Progress on the substation control room
- Installation of electrical cables
- Construction and erection of 225 kV transmission towers
- Installation of transmission conductors
- Installation of insulators
- Development of the medium-voltage electrical system
Montage Gold has stated that the project remains targeted for first gold production by the end of Q4 2026.
Why the Koné Project Is an Important Mining Power Infrastructure Reference
The Koné Gold Project represents a significant high-voltage electrical infrastructure development for a modern mining operation in West Africa.
From a power engineering perspective, the project combines several major elements:
1. High-Voltage Grid Connection
The mine is connected to the national electricity grid at 225 kV, demonstrating the requirements of a large industrial mining load.
2. Large Power Transformer Capacity
The project uses:
2 × 85 MVA power transformers
with a combined installed capacity of:
170 MVA
3. New Transmission Infrastructure
The project requires a new 225 kV transmission line to connect the mine to the existing national grid.
4. Dedicated Mining Substation
The 225 kV substation provides the electrical interface between the national transmission network and the mine’s internal distribution system.
5. Backup Generation
Additional diesel generation provides supplementary power supply resilience for the mine and processing facilities.
Electrical Infrastructure Summary
The overall electrical architecture of the Koné Gold Project can be summarized as follows:
Côte d’Ivoire National Grid
→ 225 kV Transmission Network
→ New 225 kV Overhead Transmission Line
→ Koné 225 kV Substation
→ 2 × 85 MVA Power Transformers
→ Medium-Voltage Distribution
→ Gold Processing Plant
→ Mining & Auxiliary Infrastructure
With additional support from:
Backup Diesel Generation
This configuration provides the electrical infrastructure required to support a large-scale gold mining and mineral processing operation.
Looking for a Power Transformer for Your Mining Project?
CTSS provides customized high-voltage power transformer solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure applications.
Whether you require a 85 MVA transformer, 225 kV power transformer, mining transformer or project-specific high-voltage transformer, our engineering team can develop a solution according to your electrical requirements.