From underground coal mines in 1980s Germany to some of the world’s highest-altitude conveyor systems in the deserts of South America today, gearless drive technology is transforming how mining operations move material. by Jonathan Rowland “Gearless drive systems were first used in various industrial applications long before they were considered a viable alternative to conventional conveyor drive concepts with gearboxes,”…
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Global technology provider ABB and Swedish mining and minerals group LKAB have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a strategic technology partnership to accelerate automation, electrification and digitalization in mining. The partnership will focus on some of the biggest shifts in the mining industry’s journey to the all-electric, automated and digitalized mine, enhancing safety, sustainability and productivity. ABB…
Read MoreABB has introduced the Baldor-Reliance V*S Master RS to give operators a cost-competitive, variable-speed solution for vector-duty applications. With a rolled-steel frame that can provide dependable durability in a lightweight, economical design, the new release’s advanced insulation system supports reliable performance across a wide speed range. The V*S Master RS delivers an efficient motor platform that is ideal for applications…
Read MoreLithium Americas has selected ABB as the electrification partner for its Thacker Pass project in Nevada, home to North America’s largest known measured lithium resource. As demand for electric vehicles and energy storage accelerates, Thacker Pass is set to help strengthen the U.S. domestic lithium supply chain. Once operational, it will produce up to 40,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate…
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Hoists are the backbone of most underground mines; without them, operations come to a standstill, threatening worker safety and mine productivity. North American Mining explores factors in the selection, operation and maintenance of this critical infrastructure. by Jonathan Rowland Underground mining is “increasingly trending toward deeper operations and larger payloads,” as Francis Lacasse, ABB’s local business line manager for hoisting…
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ABB has completed an expansion of its Mexico Technology and Engineering Center (MXTEC) in the city of Merida, doubling the office space to help meet innovation and market growth potential in North America. Since opening two years ago, MXTEC has increased its workforce to 43 people, also broadening scope into trade, logistics and HSE, and now has ambitions to recruit…
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As the mining industry moves toward net-zero operations, electrification will play a crucial role in shaping the future of underground mining. North American Mining spoke to several companies whose pioneering electric load and haul solutions are driving the industry toward a cleaner, safer tomorrow. by Jonathan Rowland The shift from diesel-powered to battery-electric LHDs promises significant environmental, social and economic…
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ABB has introduced GMD Copilot, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to optimize the operation and maintenance of gearless mill drives (GMDs). GMD Copilot offers users immediate, context-specific information, providing a complete overview of the system intended to improve the decision-making of GMD operation and maintenance. Grinding mills crush ore, separating the valuable mineral from the waste rock. By eliminating all…
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Global supplier ABB has introduced GMD Copilot, an AI-powered digital assistant designed to optimize the operation and maintenance of gearless mill drives (GMDs). GMD Copilot offers users immediate, context-specific information, instantly providing a complete overview of the system intended to improve the decision-making of GMD operation and maintenance. Grinding mills crush ore, separating the valuable mineral from the waste rock.…
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ABB showcased its lineup of industrial electric motor solutions for the mining industry’s demands during last month’s MINEXCHANGE in Denver. Designed for reliability, efficiency and long-term performance, ABB’s motors help operations reduce total life cycle costs while enhancing system productivity. Motor solutions featured at the event included: ABB said its motors exceed industry standards for efficiency, durability and performance, powering…
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