New findings suggest strong near-term investment interest in mine electrification among North American companies.
By Sachin Jari
Several months ago, I attended my fourth MINExpo International and couldn’t help but smile (somewhat righteously) at the overwhelming presence of attendees evaluating the latest ideas and concepts for mine and fleet decarbonization via electrification. While the focus was on mining (we all understand and keep looking into potential gains via optimization of mineral processing), I couldn’t help but reflect on how things have dramatically changed in just a few short years.
You see … I participated in the same conference in 2021, where we launched ABB eMine, our portfolio of fleet and mining electrification solutions. At the time, we were one of a few companies working with miners to realize its potential (with ABB’s mine electrification project experience dating back to the early 1990s). Yet, other mining suppliers were seemingly conducting business as usual and sharing new products and ways to improve safety, productivity and reliability.
Fast forward to 2024 and it was nearly impossible to turn a corner at this conference without talking about the benefits of safe and productive electrification for decarbonizing operations. Why now? What’s changed?
Perhaps the reason for the newfound industry embrace is that mine electrification is proven and continues to gain traction as a highly advantageous technology. Some examples include:
- eMine Trolley System to meet Copper Mountain Mining’s sustainable development goals in Canada.
- Antofagasta Minerals to drive real progress in its mining industry decarbonization initiatives.
- Nouveau Monde Graphite selects ABB to power up operations at its Matawinie Mine in Canada.
- ABB and Komatsu to collaborate on electrification platform.
Mining’s moment is now
I raise the question of whether 2025 will mark the tipping point for electrification in mining operations because of observations at MINExpo 2024 along with insights revealed in a new industry report we recently released called “Mining’s Moment.” The report is based on surveys with 400-plus mining executives worldwide, including more than 100 representing North America sentiments on the topics. It can be downloaded at new.abb.com/mining/campaigns/mining-moment.
Electrification is essential to mine decarbonization
On the topic of electrification in mining, the report uncovered that:
- Almost 95% of those surveyed in North America consider electrification essential, or part of, their decarbonization strategy, compared to 84% in Europe and 91% globally.
- Further, almost 75% consider vehicle electrification as having the greatest potential to increase efficiency and sustainability of mining operations.
These numbers are not surprising to me given the buzz in the industry as of late and the countless discussions I’ve had with mining executives the last several years. Obviously, it is a viable path to decarbonization. The only lingering question is … what’s been holding companies back?
Based on findings in the report:
- 51% consider unproven technologies as a barrier (perhaps they’re still talking to vendors with those BIG ideas).
- Yet, 77% agree significant decarbonization can be achieved using existing technologies.
The latter data point couldn’t be more true. In fact, ABB has worked with mining companies around the world for years to decarbonize their operations using a combination of automation, electrification and digitalization solutions. In other words, we’re well beyond the time for conceptual ideas and pilot projects on proving grounds with our customers. Mining companies are making real progress in their journey to net zero with commercially available solutions from ABB today. The year 2030 is fast approaching along with its stakeholder-inspired emission reduction targets and the time to talk has passed.
Is that time now? I believe there is strong potential that this could be the year that companies stop kicking the dirt and really decide to “move earth” by decarbonizing their operations with electrification.
Given additional insights in the report:
- 54% of North American responses anticipate significant or complete transformation of their operations over the next 5 years.
- 71% are planning to electrify at least 25% of their fleets by 2030.
- 44% are planning to invest in the decarbonization of their haulage fleet by 2026, compared to 35% in Australia and 52% in South America.
While there is still some uncertainty in North America currently with political changes a foot. The pressure on mining companies to deliver critical minerals sustainably is a new normal that all industry must contend with. As effective planning and construction is critical to the success of both brownfield operations and greenfield projects, there is no more time to waste. Are we prepared to lead, to rethink, to rebuild and refine; the time to act is now!
About the author: Sachin Jari is general manager, Mining North America, Process Industries, ABB Inc.
ABB motoring NASA
ABB is taking its research abilities skyward — well, in a matter of speaking.
As part of an ABB Motion OneCare service agreement, ABB has modernized a variable speed drive (VSD) for NASA (the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration) to extend, by at least 10 years, the life of the wind tunnel at its National Transonic Facility (NTF) at Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va.
The tunnel is used to optimize aircraft performance and fuel consumption by mimicking flight conditions at high altitudes and close to the speed of sound. It has been used to test the Boeing 777, the Space Shuttle and its Booster Rocket.
In 2021, NASA’s engineers identified a need to upgrade the tunnel’s medium voltage (MV) drive, due to the aging of the drive’s components. ABB supplied the drive in 1997 as the most powerful of its kind in the world: the 101-megawatt (MW) drive can test models in air or nitrogen flowing at transonic speeds and at ambient or cryogenic temperatures. As a result, the NTF can simulate a wider range of flying conditions than any other wind tunnel, enabling engineers to gain unique insight and hone aircraft designs.
After ABB’s service specialists evaluated the performance and mechanical connections of the existing drive, the next step was to develop a solution based on modern high-efficiency power electronic components to match the original drive’s maximum power, while achieving high availability and reliability. This resulted in the modernization of the drive, to replace key components inside the existing footprint with the latest ABB state-of-art technology. The scope included upgrading the small part of the drive (control unit), which minimized the duration and disruption of the project and demonstrated circularity by minimizing waste and logistics as much as possible.
“NASA relied on ABB’s domain expertise, technology and services to ensure its National Transonic Facility (NTF) provides high reliability and uptime to maximize availability for its testing programs – and optimize the life-cycle value of its assets,” said Oswald Deuchar, Head of Modernization Services, ABB Motion. “Extending the life of the wind tunnel by at least 10 years supports NASA’s operational goals while upgrading the drive’s key components demonstrates efficiency and circular approach.”
NASA ordered the upgrade project as the first activity under an ABB Motion OneCare service agreement that also covers spare parts and maintenance. This type of agreement provides the flexibility for operators like NASA to bundle together the services they want so that they can optimize the life cycle of their motors, generators and drives.