Lafigué Mine Project
33 MVA 225 kV Power Transformer
High-voltage transformer solution for gold mining power infrastructure
Project Overview
CTSS for Lafigué Mine Project
CTSS supplied a 33 MVA high-voltage power transformer for the Lafigué Mine project, providing transformer equipment for the project's electrical power infrastructure.
The Lafigué Mine is a major gold mining operation located in the north-central region of Côte d’Ivoire, approximately 330 km north-northwest of Abidjan.
The mine is operated by Lafigué Mining and uses open-pit contractor mining and a Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) processing plant. Construction began in Q4 2022, with first gold poured in Q2 2024.
For large-scale mining operations, reliable electrical infrastructure is essential for supporting mining, mineral processing and associated site facilities.
Key Project Data
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Project | Lafigué Gold Mine |
| Industry | Gold Mining |
| Location | Côte d'Ivoire, West Africa |
| Mining Method | Open Pit / Contractor Mining |
| Processing Technology | Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) |
| Production Start | Q2 2024 |
| Equipment Supplied | Power Transformer |
| Transformer Type | SFZ-33000/225 |
| Rated Power | 33 MVA |
| High-Voltage Rating | 225 kV |
| Low-Voltage Rating | 11.5 / 10.5 kV |
| Cooling | ONAN / ONAF |
| Installation | Outdoor |
Project Overview
CTSS Power Transformer Solution
33 MVA / 225 kV High-Voltage Power Transformer
For the Lafigué Mine project, CTSS supplied a SFZ-33000/225 three-phase power transformer with a maximum rated capacity of 33 MVA under ONAF cooling.
The transformer features a 225 kV high-voltage rating and dual low-voltage ratings of 11.5 kV and 10.5 kV, providing the voltage transformation required for the project’s electrical power system.
The transformer is designed for outdoor operation and incorporates an ONAN/ONAF cooling system, with rated capacities of 25 MVA under ONAN cooling and 33 MVA under ONAF cooling.
Power Transformer Technical Specifications
Technical Data
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Transformer Type | SFZ-33000/225 |
| Phase Number | 3 Phase |
| Rated Power | 33 MVA |
| Rated Voltage | 225 ± 12 × 1.25% / 11.5 / 10.5 kV |
| Rated Frequency | 50 Hz |
| Connection Symbol | YNyn0+d |
| Cooling Means | ONAN / ONAF |
| ONAN Rating | 25 MVA |
| ONAF Rating | 33 MVA |
| Altitude | 1,000 m |
| Operation Condition | Outdoor Type |
Lafigué Mine Project
Lafigué Mining plc announces its operating and financial results for Q3-2023, with highlights provided in Table 1 below.
The transformers have been delivered to site with installation now commencing and the main switchyard is on track to be energised in late Q4-2023 with the overall facility completion expected in early Q1-2024.
Why Lafigué Mine Project should
Choose CTSS
Voltage Configuration
High-Voltage Side
The transformer has a nominal high-voltage rating of 225 kV with a specified tap range of:
225 ± 12 × 1.25%
This provides the required voltage adjustment range specified for the transformer.
Low-Voltage Side
The transformer incorporates two low-voltage ratings:
11.5 kV
and
10.5 kV
The dual low-voltage configuration allows the transformer to meet the project’s specified electrical system requirements.
Transformer Connection
Nyn0+d
The transformer connection symbol specified on the manufacturer’s technical data is:
YNyn0+d
The exact manufacturer designation is retained as part of the transformer technical specification.
Cooling System
The transformer uses a dual cooling arrangement.
ONAN — 25 MVA
Oil Natural Air Natural
ONAF — 33 MVA
Oil Natural Air Forced
The transformer provides a 25 MVA natural cooling rating and a 33 MVA forced-air cooling rating, allowing additional thermal capacity under higher operating loads.
Insulation Levels
The transformer incorporates specified insulation levels for its high-voltage, low-voltage and tertiary terminals.
| Terminal | Um | LI | LIC | AC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HV Line Terminal | 252 kV | 950 kV | 1050 kV | 395 kV |
| HV Neutral Terminal | 252 kV | 950 kV | 1050 kV | 395 kV |
| LV Line Terminal | 17.5 kV | 95 kV | 105 kV | 38 kV |
| LV Neutral Terminal | 17.5 kV | 95 kV | — | 38 kV |
| Tertiary Line Terminal | 12 kV | 75 kV | 85 kV | 35 kV |
Key Engineering Features
33 MVA High-Capacity Power Transformer
The transformer provides a maximum rated capacity of 33 MVA under ONAF cooling, making it suitable for large industrial and mining electrical infrastructure.
225 kV High-Voltage Rating
With a nominal high-voltage rating of 225 kV, the transformer is designed for high-voltage power transformation applications.
Dual Low-Voltage Configuration
The transformer provides 11.5 kV and 10.5 kV low-voltage ratings to meet the project’s specified electrical requirements.
ONAN / ONAF Cooling
The transformer incorporates 25 MVA ONAN and 33 MVA ONAF ratings, providing different thermal operating capacities according to cooling conditions.
Outdoor Installation
The transformer is specified as an outdoor-type power transformer, suitable for outdoor substation and industrial electrical applications.
CTSS Project Scope
Transformer Engineering and Manufacturing
CTSS’s project scope included the supply of power transformer equipment for the Lafigué Mine project.
The transformer supply process included project-specific engineering, manufacturing, quality control, testing and preparation for international delivery according to the agreed technical requirements.
Depending on the final project documentation, the scope can also include factory acceptance testing, inspection, technical documentation and logistics coordination.
Project Execution
From Transformer Manufacturing to Delivery
The Lafigué Mine project required a high-voltage transformer with a specific combination of:
225 kV → 11.5 / 10.5 kV
and:
25 / 33 MVA ONAN / ONAF
CTSS manufactured and supplied the transformer according to the project’s specified technical requirements and intended application within the mine’s electrical infrastructure.
Project Outcome
Supporting Mining Power Infrastructure
The Lafigué Mine project demonstrates CTSS’s capability to supply high-voltage power transformers for demanding mining and industrial applications.
The supplied 33 MVA / 225 kV power transformer combines high-voltage transformation, dual low-voltage ratings and ONAN/ONAF cooling in a project-specific configuration.
The project adds to CTSS’s international experience in supplying power transformer equipment for mining and industrial power infrastructure.
About Lafigué Mine
Lafigué is located in the north-central region of Côte d’Ivoire, approximately 330 km north-northwest of Abidjan.
According to Lafigué Mining, the mine uses open-pit contractor mining and a Carbon-in-Leach processing plant. Construction started in Q4 2022 and first gold was poured in Q2 2024.
Lafigué Mining currently identifies Lafigué as one of its cornerstone mines and lists an expected mine life of approximately 12.8 years.
Why CTSS for Mining Power Transformer Projects?
CTSS provides customized power transformer solutions for mining, industrial and infrastructure applications.
Our transformer solutions can be configured according to project-specific electrical requirements, including:
- High-voltage power transformers
- Medium-voltage transformers
- Mining transformers
- Industrial power transformers
- Oil-immersed power transformers
- Outdoor transformers
- Custom voltage configurations
- Project-specific cooling systems
- International transformer projects
From technical specification and engineering through manufacturing, testing and delivery, CTSS supports customers with project-specific transformer solutions.
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 33 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.