our number 1 priority for 2018 is to see if we can install a natural gas generator to provide almost all of our electricity. If that is possible and fits the budget it will make mining long term a viable option for us.
I've make some analyzes of available options and find that natural gas generators using standart combustion engine have too big maintanance cost if you are using them continiously. The viable option is turbine generator. You may find interesting to check
https://www.capstoneturbine.com/products/c30We used it in a project that have to use biogas as the fuel but as for now the project is stuck at R&D stage so I have no hands-on experience with the generator. Low maintanance, high efficiency and exellent scalability and low entry price are exellent for jump-start. The last time I check it was $50k for 30kW including shipping and installation but it may vary a lot around the globe.