ABB adds major drive-systems order in Kazakhstan

London – ABB has won a $44-million order to deliver three gearless mill drive systems (GMDs) for a new copper mine to be operated by Kazakhmys PLC – the largest copper producer in Kazakhstan and one of the top copper producers in the world.

Located about 450 km northeast of Almaty in south east Kazakhastan, the Aktogay sulphide complex has an expected lifespan of over 40 years and will provide long-term production of approximately 100,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate per year.

ABB is to supply consists of one 28-megawatt GMD for a 40-foot semi-autogenous (SAG) mill and two 22 megawatt GMDs for two 28-foot ball mills. Deliveries are scheduled for the second half of 2013; with mine production projected to start in 2014.

Each GMD system includes phase and excitation transformers, a ring motor with its associated local mill control panel, a containerised electrical house (E-house) including cycloconverter, advanced specific grinding control software with the full system protection and auxiliary distribution.

The three GMDs ordered are among the largest units manufactured today in terms of power rating and power density. This, said ABB, will lead to high economies of scale in regards to process and production of the low-grade ore deposit.

The deal follows a previous delivery in 2010 for three GMDs for Kazakhmys’ Bozshakol mine, with identical design and manufacture. Kazakhmys will, therefore, benefit from interchangeable capital spare parts, equipment and service specialists between both mine sites.