With digitalisation at its heart, a new suite of solutions is setting out to connect all electrification, automation and digital offerings to optimise all stages in the lifecycle – from design and build to operation and service – of any open pit or underground mine and minerals processing plant.
ABB Ability MineOptimize is an innovative portfolio of optimised electrification, drives and automation solutions, optimised engineering, digital applications and collaborative services. It combines in-depth sector knowledge, advanced technology and global and local project management, engineering and digital transformation expertise developed by ABB over 60 years of working with the mining and minerals industry.
The new offering comprises a suite of digitally connected products, services and solutions, which include the latest digital technologies for remote services, predictive maintenance tools as well as solutions for upgrades and retrofits. Advanced application libraries, software solutions and digital platforms reduce process complexity, promote safe and secure production and lower lifetime operating costs. By ensuring that the right people have the right information at the right time and from anywhere, ABB Ability MineOptimize digital applications enable mine operators to maximise reliability, safety, productivity and energy efficiency while optimising planning and visibility across operations and the entire enterprise.
“Optimisation of mining and mineral processing operations to improve productivity, reduce downtime and protect workforce and the environment is essential and an important factor in being competitive in the market,” states Martin Knabenhans, head of product management for ABB’s Process Industries business unit. “The new portfolio offers open, digitally connected mining applications for unmatched operation, maintenance, process and production performance. As digital transformation partner ABB Ability MineOptimize enables IT/OT integration for some of the world’s most cost effective mines.”
Shaping the future
ABB is setting out to shape the future of mining by rolling out new electrification solutions, digital applications and collaborative services in the new portfolio throughout the year. Its chief aims are to: enable sustainable mining by powering the all-electric mine; re-invent mining automation with the next generation of ABB Ability System 800xA for process and power control; and improve availability through enhanced collaborative services with new predictive cloud based analytics for grinding, hoists and conveyors.
The new digital applications complement electrification and automation solutions and dedicated mining systems for hoists, gearless or ring geared mill drives and material handling which can be applied in the building or revamping of a mine. They will also sit alongside collaborative remote assistance, availability, performance and quality services.
