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ABB successfully commissions the world’s largest high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) drive system
ABB, the leading power and automation technology group has successfully commissioned the world’s largest high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) drive system for the Boddington Gold Mine Expansion project in western Australia.Newmont Mining Corp., America’s biggest gold producer, has begun production at its Boddington mine, located about 130km south-east of Perth. The original, mainly oxide open-pit mine was closed at the end of 2001. Recent exploration identified an extensive 19.57 million ounce gold bedrock resource, the basis of the Boddington Gold Mine expansion project.
Thyssen Krupp Polysius and ABB worked together to make the Boddington Gold Mine operational once again. The newly reopened mine is expected to operate for at least 20 years, with full production of more than 1 million ounces of gold per year to be reached during 2010, making it Australia’s biggest producing gold mine. ABB drive systems are an essential part of the plant design. Full production will be reached during 2010.
The delivery comprised two 2800 kW HPGR units of two converter transformers, two medium voltage frequency converters and two squirrel cage induction motors. This will be the largest HPGR drive system in operation anywhere in the world. By optimising the grinding process, ABB’s ACS1000 drives will help the plant reduce its energy consumption. The variable speed drive system provides operational flexibility through a variable speed range and is ideal for the processing of inhomogeneous types of ore at different throughput rates.
By providing sustainable solutions for HPGR applications ABB has set the standard for efficiency and sustainability in the mineral and cement industries. Plants such as CVRD São Luis and Cerro Verde have been successfully operating with ABB HPGR drive systems for several years.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.
