IT in Manufacturing


Five-point action plan to decarbonise South African mining

November 2023 IT in Manufacturing

Decarbonising the mining industry requires a purposeful methodology combined with a suite of solutions. Erik Pretorius, who is global lead for large and strategic projects, mining and minerals processing at ABB, says: “Our automation and digital portfolio empowers miners to succeed, in their all-electric ambitions, despite the shortage of electricity in the region.”

The ABB eMine solution consists of a broad portfolio of integrated electrification and automation solutions, and takes on a different priority or definition in the respective regions globally. It focuses on supplying power to mining vehicles, with fit-for-purpose electrification to achieve the most optimised electrified process. In addition, the solution integrates with ABB Ability applications to plan, monitor and control processes to optimise operations and energy usage.

A phased approach enables mines to lower carbon footprints immediately with a limited upfront capital investment, while simultaneously advancing progressively as technology becomes more mature, scalable and cost-effective. ABB has developed a five-point action plan to develop an electric mine:

A strong foundation: ABB’s broad portfolio

From pit to port and mine to market, ABB is equipped to electrify your mine. Its fit-for-purpose solutions are designed to meet the operational demands of the modern mine, and they are backed by ABB’s decades of real-world experience in electrifying, automating and digitally connecting mine equipment and operations.

Collaboration to combine expertise and optimise outcomes

An all-electric mine requires all working together. The time to change is now. But the mining industry is clear that when it comes to electrification, nobody can make it alone. Partnerships and co-creating solutions with OEMs, other mining companies, and governments are needed to successfully integrate electrification in mines.

ABB is working with OEMs to fast-track the development of new emissions-reducing systems with electrification and automation of the whole mining operation the goal. Its joint development and co-creation approach leverages the domain expertise of key partners to meet a wider range of needs.

Added value by early involvement in your all-electric mine design

An all-electric mine looks a lot different than a traditional one. Your ABB team will partner with you during the earliest stages of pre-planning and design, which will increase added value, provide greater costs savings and reduce complexity. By getting in early, we can provide interoperable, fit-for-purpose solutions and technologies that make mines safer and smarter, and reduce carbon emissions. By integrating the whole mine digitally, ABB is set up to plan, monitor and control processes, and optimise operations and energy usage.

Solutions tailored to unique requirements of all-electric mines

Building on decades of mining project electrification experience and expertise, and over ten years of experience in providing charging infrastructure for buses, trucks and cars, ABB can offer solutions that are uniquely designed to handle the requirements of the mining industry based on the latest technologies.

ABB lifecycle services

ABB services are tailored to the specific challenges of its customers. Through its advanced digital services, its mining experts can monitor your plant remotely 24/7 to help keep your production up and running. Advanced digital mining services can collect and analyse your mining asset and operational data, providing remote expert support to identify, categorise and prioritise actions.

Through remote services, predictive maintenance, and upgrades and retrofits, ABB helps mining companies ensure maximum performance throughout the mine’s lifecycle.

For more information contact ABB South Africa, +27 10 202 510, [email protected], www.abb.com/za


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Bringing brownfield plants back to life
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Today’s brownfield plants are typically characterised by outdated equipment and processes, and face challenges ranging from inefficient operations to safety hazards. However, all is not lost, as these plants stand to gain a lot from digitalisation and automation.

Read more...
Women engineers contribute to a culture of safety and innovation
ABB South Africa News
International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) recently marked its 11th anniversary, with the theme of #EnhancedByEngineering. This annual event celebrates the contributions of women engineers worldwide, highlighting their role in enhancing lives and livelihoods through their work. Among these remarkable individuals, two talented engineers from ABB are building a brighter future for all of us.

Read more...
What’s next for artificial intelligence?
IT in Manufacturing
Generative AI has brought computer intelligence into the mainstream. It has already been helping us power the digital world through search engines, social media, map directions, online shopping, ride-sharing and cybersecurity. But now it’s in the hands of the people. What can we expect from this new era?

Read more...
The key to cybersecurity success
IT in Manufacturing
Cybersecurity threats are constantly evolving and becoming more sophisticated, requiring organisations to recognise that their employees are both their greatest asset and their greatest vulnerability.

Read more...
This looks like a job for industrial AI
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Following a recent annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, industrial artificial intelligence has joined the ranks of the world’s superheroes.

Read more...
Modernising world’s best espresso machines
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Olympia Express, a world leader in handcrafted espresso machines, is using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio to digitally transform the design and production of its world-renowned espresso machines.

Read more...
A milestone in electrical safety
ABB South Africa Electrical Power & Protection
Celebrating a milestone in electrical safety, ABB proudly marks the 100-year anniversary of its revolutionary Miniature Circuit Breaker.

Read more...
Pioneering sustainable aviation
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Sustainable aviation company, Dovetail Electric Aviation, has selected the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of software to design zero-emission battery and hydrogen-electric propulsion systems for commercial aircraft.

Read more...
Revolutionising traditional DCS architecture
IT in Manufacturing
SUPCON has unveiled the world’s first Universal Control System (UCS) at the highly anticipated global product launch conference, marking a groundbreaking innovation in the automation sector. This revolutionises the concept of industrial control systems, pioneering a new era in automatic control technology.

Read more...
Advanced industrial software solutions
ABB South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Finding better ways to manage energy and manufacturing resources is a key concern for businesses in Africa right now. However, achieving this can be a complex challenge.

Read more...