All posts by Paul Moore

BMA set to operate with 100% renewable power following new PPA signing

Coal technology, Environmental, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) assets are set to become the first Australian operations at BHP to run under renewable power arrangements for 100% of their electricity needs, following the signing of a new power purchase agreement (PPA) for BMA’s Queensland operations.

BMA has entered into a new seven-year PPA commencing from FY2027 – the third power agreement signed with Queensland’s publicly-owned energy generator and retailer CleanCo – which is expected to allow BMA to meet all of its forecasted electricity needs from sources such as solar, wind and pumped hydro.

The new agreement – when combined with another renewable PPA signed with CleanCo in 2023 – is expected to allow BMA’s Queensland assets to become the first of the Australian operations at BHP to have 100% of their forecasted operational electricity demand supplied by renewable PPAs from 2027.

The new PPA supports four renewable electricity projects across regional Queensland which have generated more than 1500 local jobs during construction and are expected to create 37 jobs once operating.

BHP President Australia, Geraldine Slattery, said: “BHP has committed to a target of reducing our operational emissions by at least 30 per cent by FY2030. So we’re really energised by this agreement. By moving BMA to 100% renewables we’re taking a big step towards delivering on our goals.”

BHP Chief Commercial Officer, Rag Udd, said: “We are committed to using more renewable energy at our sites across Australia and around the world, so agreements like these are core to our strategy. Across all the sites we operate, we are aiming to have 100 per cent renewable electricity arrangements by FY2030, where it is technically and commercially viable to do so.”

BMA Asset President, Adam Lancey, said: “This agreement is the culmination of years of work. I’m really proud that BMA is going to be the first of BHP’s Australian operations to be powered by 100% renewable energy. This is good for BMA and good for Queensland. This agreement is underpinned by four projects which have supported more than 1,500 construction jobs and are expected to create 37 jobs once operating, reinforcing our strong support for Queensland’s renewable electricity infrastructure build which is boosting regional and local communities.”

CleanCo CEO, Tom Metcalfe, said: “CleanCo is focused on delivering clean energy solutions that help Queensland businesses and communities decarbonise and thrive in a net zero future. We are privileged to partner with BMA to transform the challenge of decarbonisation into an opportunity for enhanced competitiveness.”

“BMA’s commitment to 100 per cent renewable electricity highlights the vital role renewable projects like Dulacca Wind Farm on the Western Downs and Kaban Wind Farm in Far North Queensland play in local job creation and supporting regional communities. This partnership is a testament to how collaborative efforts can drive economic growth and environmental sustainability.”

Wärtsilä signs Decarbonisation Agreement with QMM in Madagascar

Environmental, Industrial minerals, Mining consumables, Mining services, Power supply for mines, Sustainable mining

Technology group Wärtsilä’s renewal of its existing Operations and Maintenance (O&M) agreement with QIT Madagascar Minerals SA (QMM), part of the Rio Tinto group, has been expanded to include a Decarbonisation Agreement. The agreement it says is a groundbreaking offering in the energy sector, and allows for optimising all of the assets in the microgrid, including renewable energy usage, thereby not only reducing emissions but also producing notable cost savings.

The continued O&M agreement covers QMM’s 24 MW engine power plant located at the company’s ilmenite mineral sands mine at Fort Dauphin in south-eastern Madagascar. The order was booked by Wärtsilä in June 2024.

The key elements of the agreement include optimised dispatch of the plant’s six Wärtsilä 32 engines and QMM’s battery energy storage and renewable assets with Wärtsilä’s GEMS Digital Energy Platform. The GEMS software uses machine learning technology to optimise multiple energy generation assets and ensure maximum utilisation of renewable energy.

“The O&M Agreement with Wärtsilä has been in place since 2008 and we have been pleased with Wärtsilä’s performance. The reliability and efficiency of the power plant are critical to our operations, and we are therefore excited to extend this agreement. The renewed agreement allows us take advantage of Wärtsilä’s competence in power system optimisation and use renewables in the most efficient way, supporting Rio Tinto’s decarbonisation objectives and sustainable mining vision,” says Jean-Francois Richer, Director Integrated Operational Services at QMM.

The hybrid power plant supplies the electricity required to operate the mine and also to the nearby town of Fort Dauphin. “Our Decarbonisation Agreement is taking energy optimisation to a new level by enabling cost savings, a reduced environmental footprint, and higher efficiency. What is more, the partnership is outcome-based with mutual incentives. This is the way forward in making decarbonised operations a viable reality,” says Christoffer Ek, Director of Decarbonisation Services at Wärtsilä Energy.

“This agreement strengthens our long-lasting partnership with QMM. We are delighted to continue to support their operations, both with our technology and our regional service network. By working in close cooperation with the customer, we are able to ensure a reliable and sustainable power supply to the mine,” adds Kenneth Engblom, Vice President, Africa & Europe at Wärtsilä Energy.

 

Multotec to leverage rich history & innovation commitment at Electra Mining 2024

Bulk handling, Coal technology, Environmental, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining services, Sustainable mining

Multotec is gearing up for its participation in Electra Mining Africa this year, taking place from 2-6 September, where the company will showcase its offerings and solutions. This event provides a platform for Multotec to highlight its experience and unwavering commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration within the industry.

Visitors at Electra Mining Africa 2024 will have the opportunity to explore an array of products tailored to improve efficiency and performance, across mining and industrial sectors. The exhibition will also enable engagement with Multotec, who will share their expertise and present their latest innovations tailored to address industry challenges.

With a history of participation in Electra Mining Africa dating back to 1973, Multotec maintains its support for the mining sector and dedication to nurturing customer relationships through this exhibition. Its consistent presence at Electra Mining Africa over the years has solidified its position as a leader contributing to the advancement of the mineral processing industry through its solutions, manufacturing capabilities and knowledge sharing.

Bheka Majola, Managing Director – South African Operations emphasises that at Electra Mining Africa, their goal is not only to exhibit products but also to demonstrate their comprehensive solutions as part of a larger international group.

Visitors can engage with Multotec’s process engineers, applications engineers and product specialists who possess in depth knowledge of mining, metallurgy, and the company’s wide range of products. Representatives from branches in Africa including South Africa, Botswana, Mozambique, Zambia, and Ghana will also be in attendance to provide insights and support.

This year, Multotec will highlight its H450 Conturbex centrifuge and stainless-steel cyclone emphasising their expansive offerings in dewatering applications. Majola mentions that the H450 Conturbex centrifuge is durable, easy to maintain and competitively priced. Customers who have made the switch have expressed satisfaction with its performance and especially its mechanical reliability and availability. Additionally, a dryer from Siebtechnik Tema (Multotec’s sister company) will be on display alongside the centrifuge system to offer a solution for dewatering needs. The cyclone, centrifuge and dryer combination, showcases Multotec and its sister companies’ system capabilities in dewatering and drying solutions.

In the field of wastewater treatment, Multotec will share sustainable advancements focusing on nitrate removal. The company will also present conveyor belt cleaners from its Mato Products division that feature enhancements aimed at boosting efficiency and safety. Multotec will be exhibiting an expansive range of capital and consumable equipment and services, tailored to meet the needs of processing plant operations across the entire spectrum of mining commodities.

Majola highlights Multotec’s dedication to the South African local manufacturing sector through an investment of ZAR100 million in a new screening media factory. “This investment will help us better serve our growing customer base and update our manufacturing processes to ensure we remain a viable and competitive supplier of high-quality products to the world,” he remarks. This major progress highlights Multotec’s commitment, to supporting local industries while also meeting the increasing demands of the global market.

“Our research and development facilities test full production size equipment to provide customers with solutions that do not need to be scaled up from testing to supply. Our people spend time at the customers daily, ensuring that our innovations are driven by customer needs, directly benefitting their operations,” Majola elaborates.

The emphasis on research and development has played a significant role in Multotec’s ability to introduce solutions that effectively tackle industry challenges, which will be communicated at Electra Mining Africa. In line with its sustainability efforts, Multotec’s exhibition stand is made from sustainable materials. “This year we’ve chosen eco-friendly alternatives for our stand instead of traditional materials like wood, metal, foam board and medium density fibreboard (MDF). What cannot be recycled will be repurposed within our business.”

NMMC expanding ore conveyor network at Muruntau in Uzbekistan

Bulk handling, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Mining services, Precious metals

Navoi Mining and Metallurgical Company (NMMC), the world’s fourth-largest gold producer and the largest gold miner in Central Asia, says it is moving forward with the expansion of the Northeast Cycle and Flow Technology Complex and construction of a second conveyor line at its Muruntau mine.

Completion of these projects will increase capacity for transporting rock mass by 27 million cubic metres per year. The Northeast Complex, launched in 2021, is a catalyst for the further development of Muruntau, which NMMC claims to be the world’s largest open pit mine. At this complex, gold bearing ore is crushed and transported by conveyors, thereby reducing trucking costs.

A new conveyor, power lines, an extension of the tipping conveyor line by 1,100 m, and other auxiliary facilities are currently under construction. When full capacity is reached, these facilities will increase rock mass transportation volume by 15 million cubic metres per year. The complex expansion is projected to cost more than US$8.2 million.

NMMC is concurrently building a second conveyor line in the Muruntau open pit, with an estimated project cost of more than US$ 15.3 million. In addition to the existing line, which spans 1,877.4 m, a new line of over 1,000 m is to be completed. At full capacity, the lines will transport up to 12 million cubic metres of rock mass per year.

The production of conveyor lines at NMMC is fully localised. Components are manufactured at the company’s Navoi Machine-Building Plant. The Muruntau mine is NMMC’s showcase operation, with the open pit spanning 5.5 km in length and 3.4 km in width with a depth of 650 m. The mine is recognised by geologists as the largest in terms of gold reserves, with an estimated 4,500 t of gold. The company’s ‘Muruntau Open Pit Mining. 5th-order’ project, when implemented, will facilitate gold mining at depths of up to 1,050 m and increase production volume to more than 50 Mt of ore per year.

PROK brings innovative conveyor equipment solutions to Mining Indonesia 2024

Bulk handling, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Sustainable mining

PROK is returning to Mining Indonesia 2024, Asia’s largest mining equipment trade show, taking place from September 11-14. This event will again bring together global and local companies to showcase the latest in mining technology and innovation.

Mining Indonesia serves as a vital platform for industry experts worldwide to forge connections and explore new business opportunities. Renos Winartha, PROK’s Country Manager for Indonesia, expressed his enthusiasm for this year’s event, sharing: “After our success at Mining Indonesia in 2023, I look forward to connecting with attendees at the show, sharing industry insights, and highlighting PROK’s exciting product innovations that can support customers in the region.”

For decades, PROK has been a leading supplier of conveyor equipment and services in Indonesia. 2023 was a landmark year for the company, marking significant growth and success in the region. By its local expertise with a global service approach, PROK has provided innovative solutions that have substantially enhanced the conveyor operations of its key customers.

Last year, PROK announced the opening of its Surabaya facility, designed to offer specialised conveyor pulley refurbishment services to mining companies across Southeast Asia. PROK also manufactured two 48 metric tonne gearless drive pulleys for a major client’s overland conveyor system in Indonesia – the largest and heaviest ever manufactured for the region.

Wade Guelfi, General Manager of PROK WA & SEA, shared: “Establishing PT PROK in the Indonesian market has been an incredible journey. From opening our new facility in Surabaya to manufacturing the largest pulleys ever supplied to the region, we’ve made significant steps. I look forward to sharing industry insights with attendees and exploring new opportunities at the event.”

In 2023, PROK introduced its new tagline, ‘Innovation at work’ representing its commitment to customer success and forward-thinking approach to conveyor technology.

This is exemplified by the success of PROK HDPE, a world-first composite roller that incorporates visual wear indicator technology. A major mining client in Indonesia has successfully integrated over 4,000 PROK HDPE rollers into their conveyor systems, significantly improving operational efficiency. The client remarked: “PROK HDPE’s lightweight properties make them not only easy to handle but also streamline the workflow for our roller crew. The ease of installation and maintenance has also added to the overall efficiency of our operations.”

Indonesia, as the world’s largest producer of nickel and a significant producer of other essential metals for renewable energy, plays a critical role in the global transition to a sustainable future. Innovative conveyor components like those offered by PROK are essential in reducing carbon footprints, energy consumption, and waste in mining operations.

At Mining Indonesia 2024, visitors will have the opportunity to experience PROK’s cutting-edge solutions firsthand. Products like the PROK HDPE, which offer a lightweight alternative to traditional steel rollers, will be on display. These innovations not only support environmental, social, and governance (ESG) targets but also lower operational costs and enhance the efficiency and reliability of conveyor systems.

Winartha added: “PROK HDPE composite rollers are a lightweight alternative to traditional steel rollers, which significantly reduces the energy required to drive the conveyor system. Visitors at our booth can see and feel for themselves the difference.”

XCMG signs landmark mining equipment deal with Rio Tinto for Simandou

Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mineral project development, Mining equipment, Mining services, Steel and iron ore

On August 12, Chinese mining equipment major XCMG and mining giant Rio Tinto signed a global cooperation framework agreement in Conakry, the capital of Guinea. At the same time, XCMG and SimFer Company, a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Chinalco Group, signed a statement of work for the Simandou mining project. This marks a significant step forward in developing the world’s largest untapped iron ore deposit.

In 2014, XCMG and Rio Tinto established a cooperation related to XCMG’s hydraulic cylinder products. The 400 t excavator hydraulic cylinder provided by XCMG has operated continuously for more than 20,000 hours in the Australian mining area, setting a new record for trouble-free operation of core components made in China.

Since then, XCMG and Rio Tinto jointly developed the GR2605 motor grader and XC9 series wheel loader; In 2021, a XCMG GR5505 grader was successfully delivered to Rio Tinto, which played an important role in the production and operation of the mine.

XCMG has now successfully won this bid for the Simandou mining project, and says it will provide a complete set of core mining equipment, including dozens of XDE240 230 t class diesel-electric drive mining trucks, plus 350 HP and 550 HP large mining graders, with the total contract amount of nearly 800 million yuan or US$110 million.

“Over the years, XCMG and Rio Tinto have forged a deep friendship in our joint cooperation, and we are very honoured to provide high-quality large-scale complete mining equipment for the Rio Tinto Simandou project…this will be a new starting point for high-level friendly cooperation between XCMG and Rio Tinto, and will further demonstrate XCMG’s leading technology and innovation capabilities in the field of mining heavy equipment,” said Liu Jiansen, Vice President of XCMG.

He added: “We are very pleased to win this heavy ‘Olympic gold medal’ for China’s large-scale complete sets of mining equipment industry. XCMG not only provides world-class products, but also is committed to supporting local community development, enriching training programs, increasing local employment opportunities, and contributing to the world-renowned Simandou project and the development of surrounding communities.”

Chris Aitchison, SimFer Project General Manager, said: “We are pleased to cooperate with the internationally renowned supplier XCMG. We are confident that this partnership will significantly boost local employment and skills development in Guinea, as well as boost investment in vocational and technical education to maximise the potential of the Simandou project.”

Aboubacar Koulibaly, President of Rio Tinto Guinea, said: “We are delighted to be working with XCMG, Together with this extraordinary project, the Simandou project can become a key driver of Guinea’s economic growth – spawning a new wave of investment, building the country’s industrial structure, and will also be a new starting point for our cooperation with XCMG.”

Reko Diq project orders kick off with major Metso frame agreement

Base metals, Bulk handling, Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral commodities, Mineral processing, Mineral project development, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Mining services

Metso has signed a comprehensive frame agreement with Barrick Gold Corp’s Reko Diq Mining for key process equipment deliveries to the company’s greenfield copper-gold project in the province of Balochistan in Pakistan. Reko Diq is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world.

The gross value of the various Metso equipment packages under the framework agreement is EUR 200 million. The value of the first orders, consisting of crushing and grinding equipment, is close to EUR 100 million in total, and they are booked in the Minerals segment’s 2024 third-quarter order intake.

Metso’s scope of delivery for the crushing and grinding circuits includes Superior™ 6089 MKIII Gyratory Crushers and Nordberg MP1250 Cone crushers as well as Premier™ ball mills with 51 MW installed power, equipped with gearless mill drive technology and Metso’s failsafe Polymer Hydrostatic Shoe Bearing systems, significantly increasing reliability and reducing maintenance costs. The mills will be equipped with Metso’s metallic mill linings.

Orders for the TankCell® mechanical flotation cells and high-intensity Concorde Cell™ units, HRT thickeners, Vertimill® and HIGmill™ regrind mills, mill reline equipment, concentrate filters and automation equipment included in the frame agreement are expected to be signed and booked in the Minerals segment’s order intake later in 2024 and 2025.

“Reko Diq will substantially expand Barrick’s strategically significant copper and gold portfolios and benefit all its Pakistani stakeholders for generations to come. We are pleased to partner with Metso in this project where sustainable concentrate processing is one of the key drivers for plant design and operation,” said Mark Bristow, Barrick President and CEO.

”We are excited to work as a strategic partner with Reko Diq Mining in this major greenfield project which will ramp up global copper production required for energy transition. Metso will provide Reko Diq with advanced and sustainable technology for the production of copper and gold concentrates,” says Markku Teräsvasara, President of the Minerals business area and Deputy CEO of Metso.

It is anticipated that Reko Diq will have a mine life of approximately 40 years as a truck-and-shovel open pit operation, with construction expected in two phases and providing a combined processing capacity of circa 90 Mt/y. The first production is targeted for 2028.

 

Normet diesel-electric Utimec tests lead to fleet expansion at Olympic Dam

Bulk handling, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, Mine shafts and equipment, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, Sustainable mining

Redpath piloted the first Normet Utimec XL 1100 Agitator ED, a diesel-electric 10.5 m³ capacity concrete truck, at BHP’s Olympic Dam mine in South Australia for almost a year. During this time, Normet’s experts spent several months at the mine site learning about the machine’s performance, efficiency and comfort, and developed and improved the equipment further based on Redpath’s feedback. Practical feedback was provided by Redpath’s experienced agitator drivers to improve the brand-new machines further.

Since the trial, Normet have delivered seven additional XL 1100s, on top of the five 6.5 m³ capacity Utimec LF 700 Agitators, delivering concrete for seven Normet concrete sprayers. In October 2023, Redpath set a new record by delivering a remarkable 9,038 m³ of concrete in a single month. This achievement was made possible using both LF 700 and XL 1100 Agitators, alongside Normet’s Spraymecs for the spraying operations.

The key reason for Redpath to choose the new XL 1100s was the larger concrete capacity of 10.5 m³, which fits their operational needs perfectly. “It is a lot easier to hit our targets without putting too much pressure on the operators, so it has definitely been a huge benefit to us on site,” concludes Kava Rashidi, Project Manager of Redpath.

The bigger capacity means less trips, which reduces not only the fuel and overall costs, but also the traffic underground, which improves safety and air quality underground. “Due to the larger capacities of these XL 1100 ED Agitators, they have reduced our cycle times in development headings and project concrete pad pours. Higher capacity agitators mean we do not need as many, which allows us to remove some of the vehicle interactions we have underground,” states Chris Anchor, Development Contract Superintendent of BHP.

For the operators, the key benefits of the XL 1100 over the older agitators are the one pedal driving, increased performance, and improved ergonomics and visibility, which make driving more pleasant and effortless. “XL 1100s tend to travel a lot easier and faster up to the declines, compared to the older diesel ones,” says Leah Zimmerman, Underground Agitator Operator for Redpath Australia.

The Utimec XL 1100 Agitator ED with 10.5 m³ concrete capacity and Normet ElectroDynamic® technology was launched in March 2023. A key element of the ElectroDynamic technology is that the need for a driveshaft and gearboxes are eliminated through driving the externally cooled mining axles directly with permanent magnet motors in a highly efficient direct-drive configuration. This not only renders a low and compact load end design, instant torque and economical electric retardation possible, but also significantly increases component lifetime.

 

Habermann Aurum Pumpen to showcase high performance solutions at MINExpo

Bulk handling, Environmental, Mineral processing, Water management

Bochum-based Habermann Aurum Pumpen GmbH was founded in 1927, as mining in Germany peaked and the Ruhr area, where the company has been based since those early years, became a major industrial hub and one of the world’s leading mining regions. The company will be exhibiting at MINExpo this year from September 24-26 in Las Vegas in West Hall, Booth 10603.

Over the years, it says it has gathered valuable knowledge from the mining sector and tunneling construction and developed robust pumping solutions, designed to endure even the most abrasive applications and ensure reliable performance in the toughest mining environments.

Continuous operation under harsh and unforeseen conditions accelerates the wear of mechanical components in pumps. Slurry pumps have sliding wear not only due to very fine solids but also due to high proportion of coarse particles. They must handle abrasive slurries with coarse-grained solids, which cause significant wear on pump components. Additionally, the corrosive nature of certain ores and chemicals used in processing can further deteriorate pump materials.

Habermann Aurum Pumpen designs heavy-duty KBKT-series centrifugal pumps from highly wear-resistant high chrome steel to withstand these harsh conditions. These pumps handle a wide range of solid sizes, from the finest grains to coarse particles up to 250 mm, ensuring reliable and efficient performance. “The KBKT-series features strong wall thicknesses for impellers, housings and wear plates. A crucial factor for reliable solids transport is maintaining a minimum flow speed to prevent sedimentation, which is determined by the sinking rate of the solids. This rate depends on the mineral weight, grain size, grain shape and transport concentration. For coarse grains, it’s essential to ensure that the maximum grain size does not exceed half the pipe diameter.”

In chemical processing within mining, pumps are essential for handling various reagents and chemical slurries used in the extraction and processing of minerals. Here, pumps must be resistant to chemical corrosion and capable of handling a wide range of fluid viscosities and densities. The HPK-series pumps, with their elastic linings, it says are particularly suited for such environments, providing excellent chemical resistance and durability.

Reliable pumping equipment can also be a decisive success factor in many underground infrastructure projects involving water and energy supply, as well as water removal and microtunnelling. The powerful and highly wear-resistant pumps from the KB- and NPW-series feature a compact design, tailor-made for delivery or feed operations under the confined installation conditions of microtunnelling and pipe jacking. Low construction heights, highly wear-resistant materials, and shaft seals with either an expeller or our self-developed mechanical seal, HGD, ensure safe use in AVN jacking systems.

This series has tunnel versions for microtunnelling, where space is limited, and shaft versions as feed or booster pumps from the shaft to the separation plant. The shaft versions are more commonly used for larger pipe jacking dimensions, with variably adjustable discharge nozzle settings within technical limits. A high-performance separation plant is a critical component for processing bentonite slurry enriched with sand and solids, ensuring high pipe jacking performance on construction sites for traffic and supply tunnels, and in specialized civil engineering projects. The fine and coarse-grained soil components in the pumping circuit demand exceptional wear resistance from the materials used.

Antofagasta partners with ABB to drive real progress in mining decarb initiatives

Automation, Base metals, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining software, Power supply for mines

Copper miner Antofagasta Minerals and ABB have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to accelerate decarbonisation initiatives by electrifying and automating mining operations in Chile. The collaboration aims to develop and implement a net zero emission haulage solution by leveraging ABB’s expertise as well as its eMine solutions.

The mining industry is striving to close the gap in demand for copper driven by the energy transition, while simultaneously wrangling the challenge of decarbonising their own operations. Currently, anticipated mine supply from announced projects is expected to meet only 70% of copper requirements by 2035. Net zero emission haul trucks have been identified as a key solution for achieving large scale decarbonisation for mines around the world. This collaboration between ABB and Antofagasta Minerals the partners say represents a significant step toward advancing the adoption of electrification in mining and defining best practice for the industry.

Under its purpose to “develop mining for a better future,” Antofagasta Minerals is at the forefront of decarbonisation. It is working towards reducing its emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, having already reduced its Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon dioxide emissions by 928,000 tons.

Through the development of the trolley trial at its Los Pelambres operation, the company has played a pivotal role in advancing the implementation of electrical solutions in the mining ecosystem. Antofagasta Minerals expects electrification will present viable solutions for reducing emissions in its haulage processes and is aiming to test battery powered trucks and trolley assist technologies in the next few years.

ABB is supporting Antofagasta Minerals with its decarbonisation roadmap by supplying advanced technology solutions from its eMine portfolio. Specifically, the parties intend to utilise ABB’s eMine consultative studies to define the techno-economic optimum for the all-electric mine, evaluating decarbonisation technologies, impact on mine operation and design, as well as power distribution.

Furthermore, in recognition of the critical role net zero emission haul trucks play in meeting the greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, ABB and Antofagasta Minerals will collaborate, alongside other third parties, to accelerate the development of net zero emission haulage solutions. Antofagasta Minerals will act as an early adopter and test site for technology and has committed to using ABB’s eMine Trolley System.

The system is known to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% in specific environments while lowering energy costs and overall environmental impact. This technology not only reduces emissions on the short term, but also enables the future implementation of battery technology in the mining industry.

“Our shared vision in achieving more sustainable processes and operations in the mining industry drives us to innovate and push the boundaries of what is possible,” said Max Luedtke, Global Business Line Manager Mining, ABB. “Industry collaboration is vital to achieving the progress needed to reduce the industry’s environmental impact. As one of the industry’s largest copper players, Antofagasta Minerals’ support is invaluable to this pursuit. Combined with ABB’s holistic eMine framework, this is a major step towards achieving the all-electric mine of the future and fuelling decarbonisation efforts. We are fully invested in the collaborative journey to develop further solutions.”

At The Electric Mine 2024 in Perth, WA in May, where ABB was a Gold Sponsor, Tomás Nass, Decarbonization Manager, Antofagasta Minerals and Ratna Kanth Dittakavi, Global eMine Sales Manager at ABB presented on the Los Pelambres trolley project which they are partnering on. Nass said: “The first step of the partnership was to build a trial that could help us understand the potential impacts of building a trolley line in one of the copper mines that we currently have operating in Chile. It’s important to say that there is not a single trolley line currently operating – and Antofagasta bought potentially the first one to ever be installed in the country…so the change management of that is going to be challenging in itself.”

He added: “We decided to put 800-1,000 m of trolley in one of the dump areas of Minera Los Pelambres…basically to test out are we really going to deliver the speeds that are expected; the road quality that we should expect out of the system to actually keep ther truck plugged into the system. What’s the width – is it going to change, is it going to need a new mine design? What’s the time to construct all this; what’s the potential impact of moving it around.” Nass said it is common in Chilean copper mining for main roads to only last for about three years before being moved. He said the trolley line should be operational by year end/early 2025.

ABB is also a Platinum Sponsor at the forthcoming Electric Mine 2025 event in Santiago, Chile, May 13-15 at Centro Parque.