Anglo American’s new Grosvenor coal mine in Queensland will get an an integrated automation and electrification system.
The US$38 million automation project will be implemented by ABB.
The Grosvenor coal mine is expected to produce five million tonnes per year of metallurgical coal for export markets over its projected life of 26 years.
Metallurgical coal is a key raw material in steelmaking that is used by 70 percent of the world’s steel producers.
The new mine will feature a standard longwall design and will target the same coal seam as Anglo American’s existing Moranbah North mine. The new mine is expected to start production in 2013 with commissioning of the longwall in 2016.
“Our presence in the Australian market is growing as customers continue to embrace ABB’s integrated automation and power solutions to improve the efficiency and productivity of their operations,” said Axel Kuhr, head of ABB in Australia.
The project will help the new mine operate at peak energy and production efficiency, while providing a reliable electrical supply with less space required for the main substation.
ABB’s delivery includes its Unigear ZS1 switchgear and space saving water-cooled multi-drive equipment for a smaller substation footprint that will result in a lower capital cost for the project.
The customised solution will also use ABB’s System 800xA automation system to integrate and control all processes and power systems to enhance productivity.
System 800xA is suited for composite mining projects that realise engineering and operational cost savings with the integration of plant-wide process control and electrical power systems.
ABB’s scope of supply also includes a 66 kV substation, power and distribution transformers, 15 modular pre-fabricated switchrooms equipped with medium-voltage switchgear along with intelligent low-voltage motor control centers, power quality systems and multi-drive variable speed drives.
ABB will provide design, engineering, testing and project commissioning as well as other site services. Equipment delivery is scheduled to commence mid 2013.
The System 800xA Extended Operator Workplace is suited for composite mining projects.