Hoist systems support 25 percent production increase for LKAB
Zurich, Switzerland, September 1, 2006 – ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, said today it has won a $20-million contract from mining and minerals group LKAB to raise productivity at an iron-ore mine in Kiruna, Sweden.
ABB will supply hoists, used to haul ore to the surface, as well as hoist-control systems and drives to help increase production at Kiruna by 25 percent and support extending the depth of the mine by about a third to 1,365 meters below the surface.
ABB had record sales of hoist systems in 2005 as mining companies invested in raising output to meet a surge in global demand for commodities.
“Our control and drive technologies offer mine operators optimum productivity and energy efficiency for hoist systems,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “Blending 70 years of experience with standard ABB products, we provide quick response combined with an attractive return on investment.”
ABB will supply ACS6000SD variable speed drives, 5600 kW synchronous machines and AC800M control systems to four existing underground hoists. In addition, ABB will provide a new turnkey mine hoist with complete mechanics and brake system at surface level. The modernizations will begin early next year and continue through 2008.
ABB has a long tradition of cooperation with LKAB dating back more than 50 years. The first hoist was delivered to LKAB in 1948. ABB supplied the present ten production hoists in Kiruna in the 1970’s which were modernized in the 1990’s.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 107,000 people.