ABB to supply drives and motors for Pilbara magnetite project

ABB has won an $36 million contract to supply drives and motors for Fortescue’s Iron Bridge magnetite project in the Pilbara.

The Iron Bridge Magnetite Project, an unincorporated joint venture between Fortescue Metals Group’s subsidiary FMG Magnetite and Formosa Steel IB (Iron Bridge Joint Venture), covers the development of a new magnetite mine, including processing and transport facilities. Located in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, the mine is expected to produce 22 million wet tonnes per annum of high-grade, magnetite concentrate used for steel production.

As part of the project, the Iron Bridge Joint Venture require a cost-effective, energy-efficient variable speed drive solution. These drives, to be installed in eight switch rooms, operate with a separate transformer that is located outside the room. This reduces the heat generated inside, resulting in less energy required to maintain the 25°C room temperature. ABB’s water-cooled drives also directly support a higher voltage 33 kV network. This eliminates the need for a lower voltage intermediate switchboard and additional components, which ultimately reduces the total cost of the project.

Iron Bridge also selected ABB high-voltage induction motors to power high-pressure grinding rolls, grinding mills and baghouse fans used to separate the ore from the dust.

“We have worked closely with the Iron Bridge team to ensure that we delivered an energy-efficient, reliable and innovative solution,” said Mike Briggs, Business Manager for ABB Motion, Australia. “We are especially pleased to have won both the drive and the motor business and look forward to continuing our strong relationship with Fortescue beyond the delivery of this project and supporting them throughout the mine’s life cycle.”

Fortescue is one of the world’s largest iron ore producers. The US$2.6 billion project is expected to be completed in the first half of 2022.