:: ABB to Supply Three Gearless Mill Drive Systems for Rosemont Copper Company

Rosemont Copper has awarded a multi million dollar contract to ABB for gearless mill drive systems needed for the construction of the Rosemont copper mine near Tucson, Arizona, USA

ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it has won a multi million order from Rosemont Copper Company to supply three 16.4MW gearless mill drive (GMD) systems for Rosemont’s new copper mine near Tuscon, Arizona, USA. One GMD system will be installed on a 36’ SAG mill and two on 26’ ball mills, which will be supplied by Polysius, one of the leading engineering companies equipping the cement and minerals industries. Start-up of the mills is scheduled for 2011.

Each GMD system comprises transformers, ring motors and a complete E-house. With a GMD as a variable speed drive, mills start smoothly and without any mechanical stress and the customer’s requirements are fulfilled with respect to flexibility and adjustability of the process, allowing maximum control over the grinding process. Furthermore, ABB gearless mill drive systems feature several benefits compared to conventional geared drive systems: they provide energy efficiency, superior reliability, availability, extended life span as well as frozen charge protection and positioning in creeping and inching mode without additional motor and controlled roll-back.

Including the Rosemont order, ABB has already won projects for eleven installed or ordered GMD units in the USA. ABB provides superior after sales service in the USA; this order reinforces the Company’s strong presence in the North American market as well as the mutual cooperation with Polysius.

Hanspeter Erb, Head of ABB Switzerland Drives Applications, said: “Quality teamwork and customer service are decisive when driving the heart of any mining operation. The ABB and Polysius worldwide experience come together for this important Rosemont investment in superior efficiency, reliability and output."