A new range of solutions designed to help accelerate the move towards zero-carbon mines, has recently been launched.

The ABB Ability eMine portfolio of electrification technologies is said to make the all-electric mine possible – from mine to port. It is integrated with digital applications and services to monitor and optimise energy usage and is designed to electrify any mining equipment across hoisting, grinding, hauling and materials handling.

ABB also unveiled the piloting of its ABB Ability eMine FastCharge, which it asserts is the world’s fastest and most powerful charging system, which aims to interface with all makes of electric mining haul trucks, offering up to 600 kW of power and designed to reduce diesel consumption by up to 90% while haul trucks are on an electric trolley system. 

“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 ABB global head of mining Max Luedtke. “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 carbon dioxide emissions, while at the same time staying competitive and ensuring high productivity.”

“Today we are extending our engineering capabilities and investment to electric transport, to bring new solutions to meet the growing demand of our customers. Besides the environmental benefits, fuel price volatility, making electricity more cost competitive, and legislation are driving the move to electric-powered mines. ABB not only understands these requirements, but we can also equip the industry to meet them,” added Electrification and Composite Plant global product line manager Mehrzad Ashnagaran.

The company highlights that its eMine FastCharge is a flexible and fully automated solution designed for the harshest environments. It 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 minimise 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 minutes. The solution extends ABB’s capabilities to the electrification of mining trucks and technologies for the full mining process.