ABB launches 'next-generation' mine hoist control system

ABB has announced the launch of ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control, a control system designed to enable mining companies to achieve maximum performance and safety of hoist operations. The company says it brings new levels of reliability, flexibility and ease of use to smaller companies on greenfield projects or upgrades. It can also help larger companies reduce costs and improve efficiencies through standardisation of control systems.

ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control, which is set to be unveiled at Euro Mine Expo 2022 in Sweden next month, is said to be adaptable to any type of hoist and can be used in upgrade projects replacing third-party control systems. The NGX Hoist Operating Station was designed with the latest ergonomic and human factors engineering guidelines and is based on the latest human machine interface (HMI) insights, offering a modern and intuitive operator interface.

It can be easily integrated with other ABB technologies including ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists — the company’s first fully SIL 3 certified hoist solution — which was first commissioned in 2019. It is also compatible with the digital monitoring service ABB Ability Performance Optimization for Hoists, which is designed to continuously track the status of a mine hoist and improves uptime, availability, performance and productivity by providing actionable information on KPIs and provides remote access to ABB experts at all times.

“This exciting new launch follows the recent introduction of ABB Ability Safety Plus and is another milestone for greater levels of reliability, optimisation and protection for mine hoists,” said Oswald Deuchar, Global Product Line Manager for Hoisting, ABB. “With ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control mine operators benefit from more flexibility and an improved user experience, including round-the-clock support and the ability to manage hoists for greater optimisation. By implementing the same control system across plants OPEX can be further improved.”

“The health and safety of people working in mines, from our people to our customers’ employees, is of paramount importance at ABB,” said Max Luedtke, Head of Global Product Group, Mining Aluminium Cement and Vice President at ABB. “ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control is the latest example of this and follows the development of ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists and of autonomous solutions including ventilation on-demand and digital services. Together these improve the quality of the working environment, and enable remote supervision and autonomous operation, removing operators from hazardous areas.”