ABB has won an order worth $44 million to deliver three gearless mill drive systems (GMDs) for a new copper mine to be operated by Kazakhmys in southeastern Kazakhstan, part of the Aktogay sulphide complex, which has an expected lifespan of over 40 years and will provide long-term production of approximately 100,000 t/y of copper in concentrate. The contract was awarded in the first quarter of 2012. ABB’s scope of supply consists of one 28 MW GMD for a 40 ft semi-autogenous SAG mill and two 22 MW GMDs for two 28 ft ball mills.

Each GMD system includes phase and excitation transformers, a ring motor with its associated local mill control panel, a containerised electrical house (E-house) including cycloconverter, advanced specific grinding control software with the full system protection and auxiliary distribution. The three GMDs ordered are among the largest units manufactured today in terms of power rating and power density. This magnitude of equipment will lead to high economies of scale in regards to process and production of the low-grade ore deposit.

“ABB won this order due to our innovative and advanced system solution, minerals industry expertise, as well as our long-term relationship with Kazakhmys,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, Head of ABB’s Process Automation division. This order follows a previous delivery in 2010 for three GMDs for Kazakhmys’ Bozshakol mine, with identical design and manufacture. With this order, Kazakhmys will also benefit from interchangeable capital spare parts, equipment and service specialists between both mine sites. Equipment deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2013; with mine production projected to start in 2014.