Mining
Power for exploration camps, contractor workshops and pit dewatering, sized for altitude, dust and long running hours.
- Sets from 5 to 55 kVA, rated for continuous prime duty
- High-head and high-volume pumps for dewatering
- Altitude derating worked out before we quote
The challenge
Mining operations run far from the grid, at altitude, and in heavy dust — conditions that punish unreliable equipment. Downtime halts production and fuel logistics are costly. HTX diesel power is built for continuous duty in these environments: rugged cooling, accessible maintenance, and stable output where utility power isn't an option.
What a mine site asks of a small generator
The generators on this page are not for a processing plant. Crushers, mills and hoists need sets of several hundred kVA, and our range stops at 55 kVA prime. Where our sets do the work is everywhere around the plant: exploration and drilling camps, contractor workshops, site offices, communications and pit dewatering.
Those loads have three things in common. They run for long hours, often around the clock. They include motors that draw three times or more their running current at start: pumps, compressors and refrigeration. And they sit far from the grid, often high up, in dust.
So answer four questions before choosing a model. What runs at the same time? Which is the largest motor? How high is the site? How many hours a day will the set run?
Matching the set to the job
These are typical loads for each job. Your own load list decides; the generator size calculator does the arithmetic, including altitude.
| Job on site | Typical running load | HTX models |
|---|---|---|
| Exploration camp: lights, kitchen, chargers, radio | 4 to 8 kVA | HTX-G8.5K-S, HTX-G10K-S |
| Contractor workshop: grinders, drill press, small compressor | 8 to 15 kVA, three-phase | HTX-G14K-S2P, HTX-G20K-S |
| Camp plus workshop above 3,000 m | 12 to 18 kVA after derating | HTX-G24K-S, HTX-G31K-WS3 |
| Site power running 24 hours a day | 20 to 50 kVA | HTX-G31K-WS3, HTX-G55K-WS3 |
| Dewatering with high lift | 12 m³/h at 60 m head | HTX-WP-HP20 |
| Dewatering by volume, low lift | 130 m³/h at 13 m head | HTX-WP60 |
| Repair welding on equipment | 200 to 350 A | HTX-GW220E, HTX-GW350E |
Worked example: a camp and workshop at 3,500 m with 12 kVA of load. The site is 2,500 m above the 1,000 m threshold, so the engine loses about 25%. You need at least 16 kVA of rated prime power, plus 10 to 20% reserve. The HTX-G24K-S, at 21.2 kVA three-phase prime, covers it.
Recommended equipment
Matched to your operation
Recommended HTX equipment for this application:
27HP Single-Cylinder Water Cooled Diesel Engine
20.1 kW
Request Quote
4.5kVA Open Frame Diesel Generator Set
4.5 kVA
Request Quote
4.5kVA Silent Diesel Generator Set
4.5 kVA
Request Quote
200A Diesel Welding Generator Set
5 kVA
Request Quote
55kVA Three-Phase Water-Cooled Silent Diesel Generator Set
55 kVA
Request Quote
30HP Single-Cylinder Water Cooled Diesel Engine
22 kW
Request QuoteSite conditions to plan for
- Altitude. Diesel engines lose about 3% of rated power for every 300 m above 1,000 m. At 4,000 m that is about 30%. We size against the derated figure, not the nameplate. See diesel power at high altitude.
- Pump suction at altitude. A pump loses about 1 m of suction lift for every 1,000 m of elevation. Our pumps are rated for 5 to 6 m of suction at sea level, so at 4,000 m place the pump within 1 to 2 m of the water.
- Dust. Check the air filter every day and replace it well before the interval in the manual. Keep the cooling fins (air-cooled) or the radiator (water-cooled) clear, because a blocked fin or core causes overheating.
- Long hours. Size on prime power, not standby, and keep the average load around 70% of prime. Water-cooled sets suit 24-hour duty. Plan oil changes every 100 hours.
- Frequency. Many sets are available in 50 Hz and 60 Hz versions. Tell us the voltage and frequency your equipment uses.
Questions mining buyers ask
How much power does a diesel generator lose at a high-altitude mine?
About 3% for every 300 m above 1,000 m. At 3,000 m that is about 20%; at 4,000 m about 30%. Add 2% for every 5 °C above 40 °C. Size the set so the derated output still covers your load plus 10 to 20% reserve.
Can a diesel generator run 24 hours a day at a mine site?
Yes, if it is sized on its prime rating and the average load stays around 70% of prime. The engine needs oil every 100 hours, so a set running around the clock needs an oil change about every four days. Water-cooled sets are the better choice for that duty.
Which pump should I use for pit dewatering?
It depends on the lift. To push water up a high wall or a long rising pipe, choose a high-pressure pump such as the HTX-WP-HP20 (12 m³/h at 60 m head). To move a lot of water over a short lift, choose a large-bore pump such as the HTX-WP60 (130 m³/h at 13 m head).
Do you supply generators for a processing plant?
No. Our generator range currently goes up to 55 kVA prime, which suits camps, workshops, offices and pumps. A crushing or milling plant needs much larger sets. Send us the load list and we will tell you plainly which part of it we can cover.
Related guides
Need help choosing?
Our engineering team will match the right unit to your duty cycle and conditions.