HOISTING TECHNOLOGY_proof 19/07/2016 13:37 Page 1
HOISTING TECHNOLOGY
Hoisting in the frame
Paul Moore looks at some
new projects, technology
and service offerings in
mine hoists globally
he key point in the mine hoist industry is
that the number of new underground
projects is relatively few given the state of
the industry, and those that are out there tend
to involve ever deeper shafts, meaning the
engineering challenges are greater for both the
hoist mechanism and the mining ropes. Added
to that many of the projects are in the
developing world requiring the right approach to
materials, logistics, training and aftermarket
service. And there are still relatively few
specialists in the underground mining hoist
market with the ability to supply comprehensive
solutions.
For used and refurbished hoist equipment
there are also some specialist operators, and
these solutions offer mines an alternative to
new bespoke options.
In ongoing projects, ABB is to provide four
hoists to the Venetia mine, South Africa’s largest
producer of diamonds. ABB will supply one
double drum hoist for personnel and material
conveyance, two friction hoists for production,
and one single drum hoist for service duty. ABB
will provide the design, supply, manufacture,
installation and commissioning of all four
hoists, including hoist mechanicals, motors, and
electrical drive and control, all certified to the
highest safety integrity levels (SIL). This is the
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78 International Mining | AUGUST 2016
first time that multiple, turnkey large friction
mine hoists are being delivered to the South
African mining industry. The installation will
commence in July 2018. All four hoists are due
to become operational in April 2020.
“With mineral deposits becoming increasingly
difficult to access, increasing productivity while
ensuring safety and reliability are key customer
requirements,” said Roger Bailey, Managing
Director of ABB’s Process Industries business.
“ABB is the only supplier with the unique
capability to design, supply, install and provide
long-term service and support of entire mine
hoist systems. Leadership in supplying power
The 16 ft diameter production hoist complete
with 2 x 3,000 hp AC motors and variable
frequency drives supplied to Milpo by MHI
and automation for site is a key component of
ABB’s next level strategy. “
The Global Underground Mining Service
Centre of ABB in Sweden has worldwide
responsibility for mine hoist systems and has
recently developed an upgrade kit for the Bosch
Rexroth hydraulic unit for ABB’s mine hoist
brake systems. The upgrade kit comprises a new
valve block that includes the latest valves and
technology used by ABB.
At Venetia, ABB will
supply one double drum
hoist for personnel and
material conveyance,
two friction hoists for
production, and one
single drum hoist for
service duty