ABB said it had record sales of hoist systems in 2005 as mining companies invested in raising output to meet a surge in global demand for commodities.
Head of process automation Veli-Matti Reinikkala said: “Our control and drive technologies offer mine operators optimum productivity and energy efficiency for hoist systems.” He added: “Blending 70 years of experience with standard ABB products, we provide a quick response combined with an attractive return on investment.”
ABB will supply ACS6000SD variable speed drives, 5600 kW synchronous machines and AC800M control systems to four existing underground hoists. In addition, ABB will provide a new turnkey mine hoist with complete mechanics and brake system at surface level. The modernisations will begin early next year and continue through 2008.
ABB has a long tradition of cooperation with LKAB dating back more than 100 years. The first hoist was delivered to LKAB in 1948. ABB supplied the present 10 production hoists in Kiruna in the 1970’s which were modernised in the 1990’s.
The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 107,000 people.
