ABB to optimise productivity, energy efficiency for new coal mine

ABB has won an order worth US$38 million to design, engineer and supply an integrated automation and electrification system for Anglo American’s new Grosvenor coal mine in Queensland on the east coast of Australia.

The Grosvenor coal mine is expected to produce five million tonnes per year of metallurgical coal for export markets over its projected life of 26 years. Metallurgical coal is a key raw material in steelmaking that is used by 70% of the world’s steel producers. The new mine will feature a standard longwall design and will target the same coal seam as Anglo American’s existing Moranbah North mine. The new mine is expected to start production in 2013 with commissioning of the longwall in 2016.

“Our presence in the Australian market is growing as customers continue to embrace ABB’s integrated automation and power solutions to improve the efficiency and productivity of their operations,” said Axel Kuhr, head of ABB in Australia. “Our industry expertise and innovative technology offering ensures an optimised solution to support Anglo American’s future mine.”

ABB’s solution for the project will help the new mine operate at peak energy and production efficiency, while providing a reliable electrical supply with less space required for the main substation.

ABB’s delivery includes ABB’s Unigear ZS1 switchgear and space-saving, water-cooled, multidrive equipment for a smaller substation footprint that will result in a lower capital cost for the project. The customised solution will also use ABB’s System 800xA automation system to integrate and control all processes and power systems to enhance productivity.  System 800xA is well suited to composite mining projects that realise engineering and operational cost savings with the integration of plant-wide process control and electrical power systems.

ABB’s scope of supply also includes a 66 kV substation, power and distribution transformers, 15 modular prefabricated switch rooms equipped with medium-voltage switchgear along with intelligent low-voltage motor control centres, power quality systems and multidrive variable speed drives. ABB will provide design, engineering, testing and project commissioning as well as other site services.

Equipment delivery is scheduled to commence mid-2013.

Anglo American is one of the world’s largest mining companies. Their portfolio of mining businesses spans bulk commodities from iron ore and manganese, metallurgical coal and thermal coal to base metals including copper and nickel.