OSM Reclosers Deliver Reliable Power to Coal Mining Operations in South Africa

Located in Mpumalanga Province, Kendal Power Station is one of South Africa’s largest coal-fired generating facilities, with an installed capacity of approximately 4,116 MW across six generating units.

The region sits at the heart of South Africa’s coal industry, where a tightly integrated energy chain operates—coal is extracted from open-cut mines—transported to Kendal Power Station—converted into electricity for the national grid—and redistributed to surrounding industrial and mining operations.

However, open-cut mining operations typically rely on long overhead distribution feeders operating under harsh environmental conditions, including frequent lightning, dust and pollution from mining activities, mechanical risks associated with heavy equipment, and long radial networks with limited redundancy. Power outages directly translate into production losses and operational downtime, affecting both coal supply and downstream power generation.

Within these challenging conditions, NOJA Power’s OSM Reclosers are deployed across the distribution system, supporting the reliable delivery of electricity to critical mining operations.

Feeder Protection for Open-Cut Mining Operations

OSM Reclosers are installed on distribution feeders supplying Vlakfontein open-cut coal mines near Kendal Power Station, providing reliable and responsive protection for critical mining loads. By automatically detecting faults and restoring supply following transient events, the reclosers help maintain continuous power to essential equipment and infrastructure. This ensures uninterrupted mining operations, supporting consistent coal extraction and, in turn, helping secure a stable fuel supply for nearby operations such as the Vlakfontein coal mine.

Cost-Effective Feeder Protection at Gravett Substation

At Eskom’s Gravett Substation, OSM Reclosers are deployed on four outgoing feeders, each providing dedicated protection for its respective distribution circuit. This configuration enables efficient and reliable feeder protection without the need for fully equipped circuit breaker bays, offering a more economical solution while maintaining high levels of performance and operational flexibility.

Enhanced Reliability with Bypass Switching Arrangement

Selected OSM installations incorporate a bypass switching arrangement, allowing the recloser to be isolated without interrupting power supply to connected loads. This design enables utilities to perform routine maintenance and periodic operational testing while maintaining continuous service, significantly improving overall system availability and reducing the impact of planned maintenance on mining operations.

By enhancing distribution network reliability in one of South Africa’s most critical coal-producing regions, NOJA Power’s OSM Reclosers play a vital role in supporting both mining productivity and the stability of the broader energy supply chain.

For more information on NOJA Power OSM Recloser, visit www.nojapower.com.au