African Mining January 2020 | Page 17

GLOBAL NEWS  The six ABB gearless mill drives, which are the most powerful mill drive systems on the market for semi- autogenous (SAG), ball and autogenous mills, have been installed since late last year and are all now in continuous operation. Two 28 MW gearless mill drive systems (GMDs) are operating in the company's 40-foot SAG mills and four 16.5 MW GMDS are employed in 26 football mills along with associated control systems. province and 20km from the Caribbean Sea coast. The first project of its kind in Panama, Mina de Cobre has significant copper deposits that are expected to be explored over the next 30 to 40 years and is forecast to contribute up to 5% of Panama's GDP. ABB has also installed its extended automation system, ABB Ability System 800xA at Mina de Cobre. According to the company the system empowers mine operators to drive efficiency, by making more accurate and timely decisions. Quantum CHILE: A DEEPER CONNECTION Extraction of ore has started one month ahead of schedule at First Quantum’s Mina de Cobre copper mine in Panama. www. africanmining.co.za African Mining Publication As copper mining in Chile continues to thrive, the search for more efficient, productivity-boosting processes becomes all the more crucial. Connectivity could be the solution. African Mining African Mining  January 2020  15