PROJECT OF THE MONTH | NEWS


complement owned by UMS Group. These hoists were refurbished locally under ABB’s guidance by local subcontractors. Currently, the shafts are being sunk using these refurbished hoists. The kibble hoist used for the production shaft will be repurposed as the permanent hoist after the sinking is completed. Following the success of this initial


phase, ABB secured a second contract worth over ZAR 130 million to provide a new auxiliary hoist and service hoist. These will be used for transporting personnel and materials to the underground operations, and both will be installed by the UMS Group under ABB’s direction. “Our collaboration with customers starts


well before equipment is procured,” said Mike Davis, global product manager for Hoisting at ABB. “We ensure that the final solution is not only the best fit for their needs but also cost-effective.” ABB also recently announced it has been chosen by global mining giant BHP to provide, install, and commission three friction hoists and an additional electrical system for a Blair service hoist at the Jansen Potash Project in Canada. Installation of the first two hoists is


already underway, with the remaining hoisting systems set for installation and commissioning between 2026 and 2027. The rising demand for potash, a key


ingredient in fertilizer, has been driven by concerns over land scarcity and soil nutrient depletion. As such, potash will play a critical role in sustainable farming practices and food security. This project marks a significant milestone in the mining industry, with one of the production hoists boasting the largest production capacity in the world, capable of transporting payloads weighing up to 75 metric tons. Featuring six ropes, the hoist can carry these heavy loads from one kilometer underground at speeds of


ABB is delivering two hoists to Lucara’s Karowe diamond mine.


up to 18.3 meters per second, powered by dual 7,700kW motors. This breakthrough is expected to improve productivity as the mining industry adapts to meet growing global demand. Both the service and production shafts have been prepared for the hoisting systems, with ABB supplying two hoists to the service shaft, including the cage. Simultaneously, ABB delivered the hydraulic braking system, electrical controls, and powertrain for a temporary Blair cage hoist, which will be commissioned in the production shaft. This temporary hoist will be operational for the next two years until the higher-capacity production hoist is ready to be installed, expected to be fully operational by 2027. The hoisting systems will also be equipped with ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists, the world’s first fully SIL 3 certified safety solution. Safety remains a top priority in the mining industry, with nearly half of mining companies identifying it as a key driver of transformation, according to ABB’s “Mining’s Moment” report. “The hoists and hoisting systems will


play a crucial role in the efficient and safe extraction of potash, giving Jansen


its competitive edge. This new contract strengthens our existing partnership with ABB, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate to drive productivity, safety, and sustainability,” said Simon Thomas, VP, Potash Projects BHP. Björn Jonsson, global business line manager for Hoisting at ABB Process Industries, added increasing the efficiency and productivity of the Jansen mine will continuously improve the safety of people and operations. “ABB’s mine hoists are among the


safest in the world, adhering to the highest standards, and we are pleased to combine this with enhanced capacity loading to meet the growing demand in the industry,” he said. This new contract between ABB and


BHP builds on their previous collaboration, which focused on integrating power management systems at the Jansen Potash Project. Once complete, the Jansen Potash Project is expected to become the largest potash-producing mine in the world, with Stage 1 capacity projected to reach 4.5 million tons per annum. Future developments are set to increase this capacity by an additional 16 to 17 million tons per year.


The new auxiliary hoist will be used for the transportation of personnel and material to the underground works. www.hoistmagazine.com | March 2025 | 9


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