:: World’s Largest HPGR Drive System for Boddington

ABB has successfully commissioned the world’s largest high pressure grinding roll (HPGR) drive system for the Boddington gold mine expansion project in Western Australia. The delivery comprised of two 2,800 kW HPGR units of two converter transformers, two medium voltage frequency converters and two squirrel cage induction motors.

By optimising the grinding process, ABB’s ACS1000 drives will help the plant reduce its energy consumption. Newmont Mining started up production recently at Boddington, which was originally a main oxide open-pit mine that was closed at the end of 2001.

The variable speed drive system provides operational flexibility through a variable speed range and can be used for the processing of heterogeneous types of ore at different throughput rates.

Thyssen Krupp Polysius and ABB worked together to make the mine operational once again. It is expected to operate for at least 20 years, with full production of more than 1Moz/y of gold to be reached during 2010, making it Australia’s highest producing gold mine.

Source:
www.miningmagazine.com

[Top|Back]