In the existing system of iron ore mining and processing, electric power is the dominant in setting the cost of the above-mentioned type of minerals, largely forming the country's GDP and annually replenishing its foreign currency reserves by 60-70% due to export supplies. Thus, it is essential to prevent the loss of such a system-forming impact on formation of the state economy structure, especially in the current state of Ukraine. The given option of the final solution of the problem is perceived relevant and has multi-vector implementation. At the same time, all components in achieving this should be aimed at reducing the power «burden» on the level of optimization of economic parameters of mining enterprises. The research aims to develop theoretical aspects and practical solutions for improving energy efficiency of power supply to territorially remote power consumers of mining and processing integrated works by introducing autonomous energy sources into structures of their power supply systems based on wind generating plants with energy-efficient functional characteristics of electromechanical complexes. The research is distinguished by the fact that power consumers of mining and processing enterprises are located at considerable distances from the main stepdown substation of the enterprises (15-25 km), which, firstly, is the cause of significant losses of power and low reliability (standstill) of transmission lines feeding these objects. The latter is due to the fact that transmission lines for consumers of tailing ponds and waste dumps are not stationary, but mobile, while their primitive design and significant lengths greatly affect stability of their functioning. Secondly, both waste dumps and tailing ponds are located in the areas legally allocated and construction of wind turbines there will not contaminate the environment. Thirdly, at insignificant distances from waste dumps and tailing ponds, there are usually historically existing local settlements, which are also remote from the main power grids, and creation of new generating facilities can satisfy their need for electricity, if necessary. Meanwhile, the very fact of using wind power generating plants as autonomous sources of energy is not a new scientific development. Yet, efficiency of their functioning, which is ensured by formation of an appropriate structure and performance characteristics of their electromechanical systems, taking into account the need to optimize their operation modes both in case of single and integrated use in the local power grid calls for a new approach to developing research methods targeting new up-to-date engineering and economic solutions. However, achievement of the desired effect from the above measures does not guarantee sufficient use of the energy potential after implementation. Substantiation, selection and assessment of the expected effect from options with wind power plants incorporated in the local power supply system is an important system-forming moment of the scientific solution. No less important is to develop an appropriate algorithm for variable functioning of electromechanical complexes of these plants, considering both single and integrated functioning modes. According to the experts of relevant specialized enterprises, application of proposed innovations to activities of mining and processing integrated works will enable the expected economic effect of about 10 million UAH, including reduction of power consumption of about 10 GW per year of total consumption.
