With a mutual mission to advance the Kristineberg mine in Sweden, owner Boliden has entered a joint venture with ABB and Epiroc to jointly develop an electric trolley-truck system to edge it toward fossil-free production.
ABB officials said it will provide the electrical infrastructure design that draws on its Ability eMine electrification and digital portfolio, and the system will also be based on Epiroc’s zero-emission utility transport vehicle the Minetruck MT42, which is highly suitable for long haul ramps.
“It will feature a trolley pantograph which is to be connected to an overhead contact power line,” the companies said.
ABB added that, in addition to the system design, it will handle the definition of standards and vehicle interface, as well as rectifier substation for the test track.
The ultimate goal: to demonstrate a reduction in CO₂ emissions and offer an improved work environment at the Swedish underground copper-zinc operation.
ABB’s announcement comes after it said earlier this year it was seeking more collaboration efforts between original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and key technology suppliers.
“ABB is working with some of the world’s most innovative mining customers, OEMs and technology innovators and is committed to playing a fundamental role in the transition towards zero emissions in mining operations,” the company said.
This project is being financially supported by Swedish innovation agency Vinnova and has the added advantage of benefitting Boliden’s vision to be the most climate-friendly metals provider globally.
“We are very proud to enter this collaboration and are excited to jointly take the next steps on Boliden’s journey towards a fossil free, automated underground mine. Our electrification solutions are well proven globally and contribute to substantial reduction of CO₂ emissions, leading to a smaller environmental footprint,” said Lars Bergkvist, global key customer manager with Epiroc’s Underground division.
Added Max Luedtke, global head of mining, ABB: “No company can do this alone and through our recently-launched ABB Ability eMine portfolio, we can ensure electrification and automation of the whole mining operation, combining solutions with others to lower CO₂ and move towards a more sustainable society.”
Boliden’s subsequent target is to implement full-scale electric-trolley systems in the Rävliden mine, a satellite orebody and extension of the Kristineberg mine.
Source: ABB