ABB unveils game-changing ABB Ability eMine to fast-track transition to all-electric mines
ABB has launched the ABB Ability™ eMine, a portfolio of solutions that will help accelerate the move towards a zero-carbon mine. ABB also unveiled the piloting of the groundbreaking ABB Ability eMine FastCharge, one of the world’s fastest and most powerful charging systems, 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 optimize energy usage. It can electrify any mining equipment across hoisting, grinding, hauling and material handling. From 2022, it will include the new ABB Ability eMine FastCharge which provides high-power electric charging for haul trucks and is currently in the pilot phase. It also incorporates the ABB Ability eMine Trolley System which 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. “The 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.”
The eMine FastCharge can serve as a cornerstone of the transition to fully electrified mines across the industry. This flexible and fully automated solution is being designed for the harshest environments, can be installed anywhere and can charge any electric truck without human intervention at up to 600 kW, the highest power available on today’s market to minimize the downtime of mobile assets. Charging time will depend on the battery capacity onboard the haul truck and the operational profile, however in many instances a suitable state of charge could be reached within 15 min. With eMine, ABB is extending its capabilities to the electrification of mining trucks and technologies for the full mining process.
eMine provides integral design planning and thinking to maximize the value of electrification, helping to design the hauling process in the most optimized way with electrical solutions that match mine constraints and help meet production targets. ABB helps mine operators map their journey towards an all-electric mine from phasing out diesel to embedding a new mindset and new team skills. By fully integrating electrification and digital systems from the mine to the port, eMine further reduces overall costs and improves mine performance while significantly lowering environmental impact.
ABB draws on 130 years of experience in the mining industry and is a pioneer in the integration of electrification, automation and digitalization in mining. eMine is underpinned by ABB Ability MineOptimize, a platform that optimizes engineering in the design of the plant or mine and facilitates the transition to the digital and CO₂-free mine of the future.
