ABB, provider of automation and electrical solutions, has received a purchase order worth $47 million for its gearless mill drives and electrical machinery from Corporacion Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco), the biggest copper mining company.
These systems of ABB will enhance output and minimize energy consumption at Codelco’s northern Chile based new mine.
The new concentrator and open pit mine of Codelco is likely to produce 170,000 metric tons of fine copper every year. The Mina Ministro Hales mine is expected to begin its operation in 2013 and is situated in the Atacama Desert at an altitude measuring 3,000 meters.
The gearless ore-crushing mill drives of ABB are highly consistent, enhance productivity and consume less power when compared to conventional mill systems. ABB will deliver three drive systems including two 8.9 MW systems and one 12 megawatt (MW) system. The scope of the order also includes 220 kilovolt (kV) gas insulated switchgear, power transformers, auxiliary services and three containerized rooms to house 23kV gas insulated switchgear. ABB will also offer services like installation, engineering and training.
Veli-Matti Reinikkala, Head of Process Automation Division of ABB, has stated that their extensive electrical and automation solutions linked with industry specific proficiency enable their clients to reduce energy consumption and enhance competency and productivity. He added that their gearless mill drives can effectively meet production difficulties encountered by mine workers.