:: ABB to Supply Gearless Mill Drive systems for New Copper Mine in Brazil

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announces that it has won a $multi million order for the delivery of two gearless mill drive (GMD) systems that will maximize productivity and energy efficiency at the new Salobo copper mine in northern Brazil.

The Salobo project is located at the Tapirapé-Aquiri National Forest, a municipal district of Marabá, in the state of Pará, Brazil, and is being developed by Salobo Metais S.A., a totally owned subsidiary of Vale (former CVRD). The contract has been signed at the end of 2007.

In 2009 ABB will supply two complete 17 MW GMD systems for two 26’ ball mills. Each GMD system comprises transformers, ringmotor and a complete E-house.

As a variable speed drive, the GMD allows the mill to start smoothly, without any mechanical stress and fulfils the customer’s requirements with respect to flexibility and adjustability of the process, enabling maximum control over the grinding process. Furthermore, ABB gearless mill drive systems feature several benefits compared to conventional geared drive systems: superior reliability, availability, extended life span and efficiency, frozen charge protection, positioning in creeping and inching mode without additional motor and controlled roll-back.

With the Salobo order, Vale reinforces their trust in ABB. In 2002, ABB has been awarded the first GMD project from Vale. ABB at that time delivered a 20 MW GMD system for a 38’ SAG (semiautogenous) mill. By selecting ABB, Vale is able to build up on good experiences with a reliable partner and has in addition the possibility to profit from operation and maintenance experiences, gained within the Sossego project, to train the new copper mine staff and also to minimize the expenses on spare parts.

Commissioning of the Salobo copper mine is scheduled for the beginning of 2010.