ABB has successfully commissioned the world’s largest high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) drive system for the Boddington gold mine expansion project in Western Australia. The delivery comprised 2 x 2,800 kW HPGR units of two converter transformers, two medium voltage frequency converters and two squirrel cage induction motors. By optimising the grinding process, ABB’s ACS1000 drives will help the plant reduce its energy consumption. Newmont Mining started up production recently at Boddington, which was originally a main oxide open-pit mine that was closed at the end of 2001.

The variable speed drive system provides operational flexibility through a variable speed range and can be used for the processing of heterogeneous types of ore at different throughput rates.

Thyssen Krupp Polysius and ABB worked together to make the mine operational once again. It is expected to operate for at least 20 years, with full production of more than 1 Moz/y of gold to be reached during 2010, making it Australia’s biggest producing gold mine. ABB says its drive systems are an essential part of the plant design. Recent exploration identified an extensive 19.57 Moz gold bedrock resource, which forms the basis of the expansion project.