OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Electrification is the key enabler of the digital transition from emission-heavy mines to decarbonised, sustainable operations, as Mehrzad Ashnagaran explains
E INNOVATION IN E
lectrification, automation, digitalisation: three defining technology trends that are set to transform asset and resource-heavy mining operations globally over the coming decades. Mine operators now have at their disposal a range of electrification solutions combined with digital tools – the industrial internet of things (IIoT), artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics, among them – that offer complete visualisation of the entire production chain, improving productivity, reducing costly downtime and facilitating predictive rather than reactive maintenance. Meanwhile, the 2022 UN Climate Change conference, COP27, saw world leaders renew their vows to limit global temperature rise and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from heavy industry and wider society, in line with global treaties such as the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change and the 2021 Glasgow Climate Pact.
ABB believes that integrated
electrification with automation and digital is the key enabler of the transition from mines powered by fossil fuels to clean, energy-efficient operations powered by renewables. Mine design will integrate electrification and digital – from hoists to grinding and from conveyors to vehicles – to optimise all processes and equipment, paving the way for the all- electric mines of the future that incorporate optimal design and operations for more efficient, sustainable energy and resource consumption.
CHARGING AHEAD Te progress to electrification is slow but inevitable. Mining will continue to play a key role in the transition to a more sustainable world by providing commodities required for electric cars, solar panels and wind turbines. However, the sector is responsible for around 4-7% of GHG emissions, much of it from diesel trucks. Hybrid vehicles that run on
LECTRIFICATION
trolley lines and automated ventilation on demand systems are just two examples of innovations that limit energy use and keep workers safe. Hoping to be a cornerstone of this transition, ABB’s pilot eMine FastCharge aims to become the world’s fastest and only fully automated charging system for mining haul trucks, providing up to 600kW of power.
Offering ultra-fast charging to maximise
productivity and digitally enabled to optimise energy usage, FastCharge – part of the ABB Ability eMine portfolio – can be swiftly integrated into a mine’s work schedule for lower CAPEX/OPEX, and monitored and controlled for optimised charging in real time. Importantly, FastCharge uses open automotive industry standards and is interoperable, meaning it can connect with all trucks in response to demands for more standardised, vendor-agnostic solutions built around alliances of technical suppliers and OEMs. Te company believes this
Panorama of the Copper
Mountain site near Princeton, British Columbia, Canada
18
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