ABB unveils technology to enable the transition to all-electric mines

ABB has launched ABB Ability eMine, a portfolio of solutions that the company says will help accelerate the move towards a zero-carbon mine. ABB also unveiled the piloting of ABB Ability eMine FastCharge, a charging system designed to interface with all makes of electric mining haul trucks.

eMine comprises a portfolio of electrification technologies which makes the all-electric mine possible from mine to port and is integrated with digital applications and services to monitor and optimise energy usage. ABB says it can electrify any mining equipment across hoisting, grinding, hauling and material handling. From 2022, it will include eMine FastCharge which provides high-power electric charging for haul trucks and is currently in pilot phase. It also incorporates the ABB Ability eMine Trolley System which ABB says can reduce diesel consumption by up to 90%, significantly lowering energy costs and environmental impact.

“The global mining industry is undergoing one of the most significant and important transformations of our generation — and that is to become zero-carbon,” said Max Luedtke, Global Head of Mining at ABB. “ABB Ability eMine is an exciting milestone to help convert existing mining operations from fossil fuel energy to all-electric. Mines can become even more energy efficient with vastly reduced levels of CO₂ emissions, while at the same time staying competitive and ensuring high productivity.”

“We are celebrating 130 years in the mining industry and decades in the electrification of mining equipment,” added Mehrzad Ashnagaran, Global Product Line Manager, Electrification and Composite Plant. “Today we are extending our engineering capabilities and investment to electric transport, to bring new solutions to meet the growing demand of our customers.

“Besides the environmental benefits, fuel price volatility, making electricity more cost-competitive, and legislation are driving the move to electric-powered mines. ABB not only understands these requirements, but we can also equip the industry to meet them.”

The company says that eMine FastCharge is a fully automated solution that can be installed anywhere and can charge any electric truck without human intervention at up to 600 kW. Charging time will depend on the battery capacity on-board the haul truck and the operational profile, however in many instances a suitable state of charge could be reached within 15 minutes.