{"id":9677,"date":"2025-02-28T19:05:22","date_gmt":"2025-02-28T19:05:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/?p=9677"},"modified":"2025-02-28T19:05:28","modified_gmt":"2025-02-28T19:05:28","slug":"will-2025-mark-the-tipping-point-for-mine-electrification-in-north-america","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/2025\/02\/28\/will-2025-mark-the-tipping-point-for-mine-electrification-in-north-america\/","title":{"rendered":"Will 2025 mark the \u2018tipping point\u2019 for mine electrification in North America?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><strong>New findings suggest strong near-term investment interest in mine electrification among North American companies.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>By Sachin Jari<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-9678 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ABB_Tipping_Point.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"402\" srcset=\"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ABB_Tipping_Point.png 1194w, https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ABB_Tipping_Point-768x386.png 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several months ago, I attended my fourth MINExpo International and couldn\u2019t 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\u2019t help but reflect on how things have dramatically changed in just a few short years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You see \u2026 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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\u2019s changed?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>eMine Trolley System to meet Copper Mountain Mining\u2019s sustainable development goals in Canada.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Antofagasta Minerals to drive real progress in its mining industry decarbonization initiatives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nouveau Monde Graphite selects ABB to power up operations at its Matawinie Mine in Canada.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>ABB and Komatsu to collaborate on electrification platform.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Mining\u2019s moment is now<\/strong><br>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 \u201cMining\u2019s Moment.\u201d 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Electrification is essential to mine decarbonization<\/strong><br>On the topic of electrification in mining, the report uncovered that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>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.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Further, almost 75% consider vehicle electrification as having the greatest potential to increase efficiency and sustainability of mining operations.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These numbers are not surprising to me given the buzz in the industry as of late and the countless discussions I\u2019ve had with mining executives the last several years. Obviously, it is a viable path to decarbonization. The only lingering question is &#8230; what\u2019s been holding companies back?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Based on findings in the report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>51% consider unproven technologies as a barrier (perhaps they\u2019re still talking to vendors with those BIG ideas).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yet, 77% agree significant decarbonization can be achieved using existing technologies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The latter data point couldn\u2019t 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\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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 \u201cmove earth\u201d by decarbonizing their operations with electrification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Given additional insights in the report:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>54% of North American responses anticipate significant or complete transformation of their operations over the next 5 years.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>71% are planning to electrify at least 25% of their fleets by 2030.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>44% are planning to invest in the decarbonization of their haulage fleet by 2026, compared to 35% in Australia and 52% in South America.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft wp-image-9679\" src=\"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ABB_Sachin-Jari_ABB-portrait-background-2024_1x1.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"200\" height=\"157\" \/><\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>About the author: Sachin Jari is general manager, Mining North America, Process Industries, ABB Inc.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-background\" style=\"background-color:#edddd1\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><br>ABB motoring NASA<\/strong><br>ABB is taking its research abilities skyward &#8212; well, in a matter of speaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2021, NASA\u2019s engineers identified a need to upgrade the tunnel\u2019s medium voltage (MV) drive, due to the aging of the drive\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After ABB\u2019s 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cNASA relied on ABB\u2019s domain expertise, technology and services to ensure its National Transonic Facility (NTF) provides high reliability and uptime to maximize availability for its testing programs \u2013 and optimize the life-cycle value of its assets,\u201d said Oswald Deuchar, Head of Modernization Services, ABB Motion. \u201cExtending the life of the wind tunnel by at least 10 years supports NASA\u2019s operational goals while upgrading the drive\u2019s key components demonstrates efficiency and circular approach.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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\u2019t 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&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":9678,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[212,3639,3641,1186,3640,753],"coauthors":[1633],"class_list":["post-9677","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-features","tag-abb","tag-abb-emine","tag-brownfield-operations","tag-copper-mountain-mining","tag-mine-electrification","tag-minexpo-international"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/ABB_Tipping_Point.png","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9677","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9677"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9677\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9680,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9677\/revisions\/9680"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9678"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9677"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9677"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9677"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/northamericanmining.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=9677"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}