ABB has been awarded a contract to supply the majority of the electrical equipment for Masan Resources’ Nui Phao mine. The deposit is polymetallic with reserves of tungsten, fluorspar, bismuth, copper and gold. The Nui Phao mine is located approximately 80 km northwest of Hanoi in the Dai Tu district of Thai Nguyen province in northern Vietnam. ABB will supply and provide commissioning for a comprehensive scope of electrical equipment, including automation and drives systems for the mine.

The mine is positioned to be one of the most cost-effective producers of tungsten in the world. The equipment and system design for the project will minimise impact on the surrounding power network, and increase both efficiency and productivity. Reliable performance of the system is critical to the safety and financial success of the mine’s operation. ABB’s said that its proven maintenance, lifecycle support service and expertise in delivering systems were important factors in securing the contract. The project will produce ammonium paratungstate (APT), acid-grade fluorspar, bismuth and copper concentrate (containing some payable gold). The products will be separated from the ore using a combination of conventional froth flotation and gravity separation processes.