ABB has announced orders worth $51 million under a partnership agreement signed with Kazakhstan’s largest copper producer Kazakhmys, to provide comprehensive electrification and automation solutions for two new copper plants in Kazakhstan. ABB will supply in its first order the switchyard, switch room and other electrical equipment, together with the control system for the Bozshakol mine. The delivery will provide Kazakhmys with reliable electrical infrastructure ensuring process efficiency and productivity. The second order is for the Aktogay operation.

Kazakhmys is one of the world’s top copper producers and the largest in Kazakhstan operating 16 mines. Located in the northern part of the country, the Bozshakol sulphide and clay complex has an expected annual ore processing capacity of 30 Mt. The Aktogay oxide and sulphide facility in the southeast is expected to process 30 million tons of ore annually. Its development has just been approved by Kazakhmys. Both mines are among the world’s largest undeveloped copper deposits and will contribute to Kazakhstan?s long-term industrial development.

As a single source supplier, ABB enables Kazakhmys to benefit from synergies across these sites during and after project delivery. This agreement follows two previous orders worth $45 million each for gearless mill drive (GMD) packages, and covers the complete electrification, instrumentation and automation for both sites. The overall scope of supply includes substation and power transformers, high-voltage power factor compensation and harmonic filters, distribution transformers, transportable switch rooms, as well as state-of-the-art Extended Automation System 800xA. Installation and commissioning of the equipment at Bozshakol is scheduled for September 2013, and at Aktogay one year later.