2007-09-04 - ABB substation solutions has been selected for the Boddington Gold Mine Expansion Project which is designed to become the largest gold processing plant in Australia.
ABB Australia has been awarded a turnkey 132 kV substation and Air Insulated Switchgear (AIS) contract for the Boddington Gold Mine Expansion project. The Boddington plant will be capable of handling 35 million tonnes of ore per annum which will make it one of the largest gold processing plants in the world.
The project includes the design, manufacture, civil works, testing, erection and commissioning of switchgear and associated equipment. ABB will supply 132 kV AIS switchgear, associated substation equipment, as well as control and protection panels, including a substation automation system. ABB will also supply a power transformer from its Thailand factory.
"By choosing ABB, with the capacity to handle all aspects covering plant engineering and product delivery, the Boddington Gold Mine is ensuring that it has a complete, uniform design and highest quality integration of equipment," says Rory McDonald, substation business unit manager, ABB Australia.
“With this approach, ABB can reduce the risk of time and cost blow outs associated with the delivery of these design and construct type HV substation projects,” explains Rory.
The substation project is scheduled for completion by mid 2008.
Aker Kvaerner Clough Murray & Roberts Joint Venture (AKCMR) is the EPCM Contractor acting for and behalf of Boddington Gold Mine Management Company who represent the Owners.
The site is located 130km south east of Perth, Western Australia and is jointly-owned by Newmont Australia Limited (66.67 per cent) and AngloGold Ashanti (33.3 per cent) (Owners). The BGM Expansion Project relates to the mining and processing of basement rock from underneath the existing BGM oxide pits. When commissioned, the mine is estimated to produce approximately 1 million ounces per year of gold for first five years.