Power and automation technology group ABB, has won an order to provide four dual pinion high-speed ring-geared mill drive systems for the Swakop Uranium Husab mine, in the Erongo region in western-central Namibia. The Husab greenfield project is expected to become the second largest uranium mine in the world, with production potential of 6,800 t of uranium oxide per year. This amount surpasses the total current uranium production of Namibia, enabling the country to become the second largest uranium producer worldwide. The mineralisation grade of the granite-hosted uranium at the Husab greenfield project is considered one of the world’s most significant mineral discoveries in decades.

The scope of supply comprises four variable-speed drive systems with asynchronous motors, ACS6000 frequency converters with mill application controller, transformers, medium voltage cubicles and system engineering and spare parts for two 6.75 MW SAG mills, and two 4.25 MW ball mills. ABB’s variable-speed ring-geared mill drive (RMD) solutions are designed for reliable, long-life and low maintenance operation. “The proven technology optimises the grinding process, which makes it ideal for ores with varying grinding properties. In addition to high system efficiency, availability and process reliability, the variable-speed drive also provides significant energy and operating cost savings by using less electricity than a conventional fixed-speed mill drive” says ABB.

The contract was awarded in May 2013 with first deliveries scheduled for early 2014. The mine will be developed as large-scale conventional open-pit mine. With uranium reserves of more than 280 Mt it has an estimated life span of more than 20 years.