The Antofagasta Minerals (AMSA) Centinela mine will soon deploy ABB Gearless Mill Drive (GMD) systems for its new copper concentrator project under construction in Chile. The advanced technologies are expected to enhance operational efficiency, deliver real-time insights, support informed decision-making and reduce unplanned downtime at the site.
The GMD systems, custom-designed by ABB, recently completed Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT) for the stators that will power the ball mill motors – responsible for the final stage of ore size reduction in the process.
Manufactured in Bilbao, Spain, the stators were shipped to Puerto Angamos (Mejillones) and then transported to the Centinela Mining District. There, they will play a key role in the GMD’s electrical drive system by generating the magnetic field needed to rotate the ball mills.
These systems were selected with consideration for the harsh outdoor desert conditions. Each includes 27-ft diameter ring motors with 19.6 MW of power (paired with a control block) and three cycloconverter transformers, all designed to maximise performance.
One of the most important features of this technology in terms of efficiency and performance is its variable speed capability, which allows plant operators to respond more quickly to changes in ore composition. Process optimisation functions will further enhance grinding availability and efficiency while reducing energy consumption and emissions.
“Antofagasta Minerals’ decision to adopt our Gearless Mill Drive technology marks a significant milestone for ABB in the South American mining sector,” said Wilson Monteiro, Global Business Line Manager for GMD, ABB Process Industries.
With global copper demand expected to rise in the coming decades, the expansion of Centinela – known as Nueva Centinela – is a strategic priority for AMSA. The new concentrator will increase copper production by 144,000 t per year and extend the mine’s life by at least 30 years.
AMSA chose ABB’s Swiss-engineered GMD systems to boost plant productivity and leverage existing infrastructure. Since every hour of downtime can cost mining companies hundreds of thousands of dollars, minimising these events is critical.
According to the manufacturer, the new systems provide a broader set of real-time data to help prevent unplanned failures. Combined with ABB’s remote monitoring capabilities, operators will be better equipped to anticipate maintenance needs and make more informed decisions.