MOTORS & DRIVES
Installation of FLENDER gear unit on new waste conveyor at Hongsa Power Company in Laos
FLENDER AIQ Detect turns a flexible N-EUPEX and RUPEX coupling into a smart component. The digital coupling sensor monitors the wear condition of the elastomers and also measures the direction of rotation and speed. This allows you to monitor the condition of your coupling around the clock.
In the southeast Asia market, FLENDER played a major role in the new Waste Conveyor Line 2 that formed part of an expansion at Hongsa Power Company in Laos, which includes one of the world’ s leading lignite mining operations. FLENDER supplied gearboxes for the 7.3 km downhill conveyor with low and high speed brakes, for a motor power of 2,250 kW and 1750 kW, with the delivery involving six units. Over in Thailand, FLENDER is also the primary supplier of conveyor geared drive solutions for the Mae Moh lignite operation..
Regal Rexnord and soft braking systems
Tyler Calvert, Application Engineer at Svendborg Brakes, part of Regal Rexnord, says anything can happen within the depths of a mine.“ While safety in the mining industry has increased significantly throughout the years, mining is still an inherently dangerous and risky field – especially in the world of copper. Mitigating those risks is of upmost importance, from employee safety protocols to advancements in technology that make the equipment safer and easier to run – advancements such as soft braking systems for mine conveyors.”
Soft braking systems and other technological advancements not only enhance safety, but also increase efficiency and productivity in mining operations. Additionally, continuous monitoring and maintenance of equipment plays a critical role in preventing accidents and ensuring miners’ well-being. more complex systems. These advanced conveyors are designed to deliver enhanced strength and capacity, driving the need for more sophisticated braking solutions. Mine operators now require systems that are not only faster and more intelligent but also more intuitive to use.
“ Responding to these industry shifts, Svendborg Brakes unveiled the SOBO iQ. This system integrates cutting edge advancements in brake technology, hydraulics, and control systems, setting a new benchmark in the industry and meeting the increasingly challenging demands of modern mining operations.”
Managing the start-up, deceleration, and stopping of heavy conveyor loads is critical. When dealing with equipment this size, safety is paramount. The mining industry focus on safety is continuing to become more and more stringent to protect both the miners and the integrity of the mine.“ The unique SOBO iQ soft-braking controller is specifically designed to enhance safety and durability in mining conveyor applications. It ensures controlled start-up and braking, significantly reducing torque peaks and thereby preventing damage to both the conveyor belt and its mechanical components.”
Innomotics’ new Chile project
In June, Innomotics, the global provider of electric motors and large drive systems, announced that it had been awarded a major electrification project to support an unnamed copper mining operation in northern Chile. The scope of the project includes the engineering, supply, commissioning, and start-up of a fully integrated system, comprising 71 medium-voltage( MV) drives; eight modular E-houses; and medium and low-voltage distribution systems. Innomotics stated:“ As part of long-term partnerships, decades of experience in Chile’ s mining operations, and Innomotics’ in-deep mining know how, Innomotics is modernising critical infrastructure related to tailings handling and environmental management. The project is closely aligned with the customer’ s strategic goals to increase sustainability and operational efficiency.” Innomotics’ E-houses it argues drive efficiency from excavation to transportation and beneficiation. In addition to time and cost savings, E-houses help customers increase productivity and fulfil sustainability ambitions. Furthermore, sustainable and future-proof maintenance with support of digital solutions ensures optimal performance and reliability.
ABB expands Traction division portfolio with BrightLoop acquisition
ABB has completed the acquisition of a 93 % stake in BrightLoop, a French pioneer in advanced power electronics, marking a major step in scaling electrification in mining, industrial off-highway and marine markets. The move adds BrightLoop’ s high-performance inverter technology to ABB Traction’ s portfolio, complementing its HES and AMXE electric drivetrain solutions and strengthening ABB’ s role in enabling low‐carbon propulsion technologies for heavy‐duty operations.
Founded in 2010, BrightLoop’ s technology was initially developed for motorsport performance and is deployed in every ABB FIA Formula E race car. Designed for compactness, efficiency and resilience, these modular, software-defined converters are tailored for demanding environments where weight, space and reliability are critical – including mining sites, marine vessels, hydrogen mobility, and defense applications.
For mining operators, combining ABB’ s AMXE traction motors with BrightLoop’ s inverters delivers a robust, zero-emission powertrain architecture for heavy-duty electric haul trucks and loaders. The integration supports both hybrid and complete electrification systems that manage both propulsion and auxiliary loads in high-vibration, space-limited conditions. BrightLoop’ s compact designs enhance energy density and operating efficiency, enabling lighter, more adaptable configurations suited to open-pit and underground environments.
Fabiana Cavalcante, Head of Mobile e-Power for ABB’ s Traction division said:“ We’ re delighted to announce the successful completion of the BrightLoop acquisition. This marks an important step forward in strengthening our electrification portfolio and expanding our expertise as we accelerate the shift toward cleaner, smarter and more sustainable transportation.”
The acquisition aligns with ABB Traction’ s mission to drive innovation and energy efficiency across rail and e-mobility. By offering propulsion, auxiliary and energy storage technologies across the full lifecycle, ABB supports OEMs and operators in improving reliability and performance. BrightLoop’ s integration enhances this capability, particularly in sectors with demanding duty cycles and environmental constraints.
With full ownership expected by 2028, BrightLoop’ s addition expands ABB’ s engineering expertise and global reach, reinforcing its strategy to deliver scalable electrification systems that help customers meet sustainability goals through reliable, zero-emission drivetrain technologies.
International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2025 47