ABB WINS $88-MILLION MINING ORDER IN PANAMA

ABB Drives & Motors 16/10/2008

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Energy-efficient drive systems will help optimise productivity in new mine.

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won an $88-million order from Minera Petaquilla SA (MPSA) to deliver gearless mill drive systems to increase productivity and lower energy consumption at a new copper mine in Panama. The order was booked in May 2008.

The Petaquilla mine is located 100 kilometres west of the Panama Canal, and is one of the largest copper mining projects in the world. Its operations are anticipated to begin in 2013.

ABB’s delivery includes six complete gearless mill drive systems: two 22 megawatt (MW) systems and four 14 MW systems. The scope of supply also includes transformers, ringmotors, project engineering, installation, training and other related support services.

ABB’s gearless mill drives (giant motor and drive systems that power ore-crushing mills) are more reliable and energy efficient than traditional mill drive systems, and increase mill productivity.

“As the need to optimise energy use and overall performance continues to be a priority, innovative technologies like ABB’s gearless mill drives, combined with our industry know-how and engineering resources, help new installations like the Petaquilla mine start operating successfully from day one,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division.

ABB delivered the world’s first gearless machine drive in 1969, which is still operating with its original converter, providing cost-effective, energy-efficient performance with proven long-term reliability.

Minera Petaquilla SA is managed by Inmet Mining Corporation and owned by shareholders Petaquilla Copper Ltd., Inmet, and Teck Cominco Limited.

For more information contact ABB Ltd, St Neots, Cambs. Tel: 01480 475 321
Fax: 01480 218 361 E-mail: enquiries@gb.abb.com Web: www.abb.com