ABB will design, engineer and supply an integrated automation and electrification system for the mine, which is part of Anglo American’s strategy to triple metallurgical coal production by 2020.
The Grosvenor coal mine is expected to produce 5 million tonnes per annum of coal for export markets over its projected life of 26 years.
The mine will feature a standard longwall design and will target the same coal seam as Anglo American’s existing Moranbah North mine.
It is expected to start production in 2013, with commissioning of the longwall in 2016.
ABB Australia head Axel Kuhr said: “Our presence in the Australian market is growing as customers continue to embrace ABB’s integrated automation and power solutions to improve the efficiency and productivity of their operations.
“Our industry expertise and innovative technology offering ensures an optimised solution to support Anglo American’s future mine.”
According to ABB, it will help the mine operate at peak energy and production efficiency, while providing a reliable electrical supply with less space required for the main substation.
ABB’s delivery includes its Unigear ZS1 switchgear and space-saving water-cooled multi-drive equipment for a smaller substation footprint that will result in a lower capital cost for the project.
The customised solution will also use ABB’s System 800xA automation to integrate and control all processes and power systems to enhance productivity.
System 800xA is well-suited for composite mining projects because it leads to engineering and operational cost savings with the integration of plant-wide process control and electrical power systems.
ABB’s scope of supply also includes a 66-kilovolt substation, power and distribution transformers, 15 modular pre-fabricated switchrooms equipped with medium-voltage switchgear, along with intelligent low-voltage motor control centres, power quality systems and multi-drive variable speed drives.
ABB will provide design, engineering, testing and project commissioning as well as other site services.
Equipment delivery is scheduled to commence in mid-2013.
Last month Becker Mining Systems subsidiary Becker Vale secured major multimillion-dollar contracts with Joy Global to supply Grosvenor.
Becker Vale will install and commission electrical equipment and control systems at Grosvenor.
