ABB has won an order to provide a complete harmonics & power factor correction (H&PFC) filter system to be installed at Osisko Mining’s Malartic gold deposit in Quebec, Canada. It designed the new filter system to maximise energy efficiency as well as increase power supply stability and is scheduled to be delivered in the second quarter of 2010, ready for installation and start-up in the third quarter of 2010. Osisko’s NI 43-101 compliant feasibility study shows an open-pit operation, producing 591,000 oz/y of gold over a ten-year mine life.

ABB is responsible for the design, engineering and delivery of the hardware filter components such as capacitors, reactors, resistors, grounding switches and control cubicles. It is also responsible for testing and start-up of the complete filter system. The customer will be able to operate the GMD system without distortion on the supply network. ABB’s H&PFC filter system will allow plant operation to comply with harmonic regulations and maintain the power factor above the defined level. This will provide the highest possible energy efficiency during operation.

In 2007, ABB sold a complete 19 MW gearless mill drive (GMD) system to Osisko, as well as the performance of a network study. The GMD system will be ready for operation by September 2010. To respond to the demanding requirements in terms of power supply and grid stability, from the local energy supplier, ABB took an innovative approach for the network study and subsequent solution design.

The mine is located at the heart of the historic Abitibi mining district in Québec, immediately south of the town of Malartic. With current reserves of 6.28 Moz, it represents one of the biggest gold reserves in Canada for a single deposit. It is still growing through ongoing drilling on new mineralisation zones.