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ABB to service Codelco copper mines in Chile
ABB GMD Connect will centralize and optimize operations for Codelco's mines, providing maintenance, diagnostics, and training to ensure gearless mill drive system availability and efficiency.
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ABB and Codelco today announce their latest collaboration to optimise the Chilean state-owned copper mining company’s maintenance program. With Chile currently the world's largest copper producer, this latest long-term service agreement (LTSA) encompasses maintenance, remote diagnostics and skills training to enhance the performance of its gearless mill drive (GMD) systems. Integrated into ABB’s advanced cloud-based platform, GMD Connect, this will support a combined copper production of around 400,000 metric tons per annum.
As part of the LTSA, ABB will provide ongoing lifecycle management for Codelco’s four key GMD systems, three at Ministro Hales mine in Antofagasta region and one at Andina mine in Valparaíso region. While these mines are more than 1,500km apart and distinct in design, this contract brings both sites under centralised service management. ABB will support sustainability and innovation goals by improving operational efficiency and asset availability, and evolving technology solutions over time.
GMDs are increasingly integral to the operation of copper mining plants, ensuring efficient ore grinding while minimising energy consumption and emissions. With copper production expected to face increasing demand over the next decade, maintaining the reliability of these critical systems is vital to meeting market needs. This agreement supports Codelco’s goal to maximise uptime and enhance asset availability while avoiding unscheduled downtime and sustaining productivity.
ABB’s GMDs are designed to eliminate all mechanical drivetrain components and are used to run some of the world’s largest grinding mills, essential mine infrastructure that crush ore, separating the valuable mineral from the remaining rock. These GMDs deliver more efficient, reliable operations with lower emissions, helping the industry meet the demands for minerals critical to a low carbon future. Maximising the output of various critical minerals and metals is vital as the world electrifies and decarbonises.
www.global.abb
As part of the LTSA, ABB will provide ongoing lifecycle management for Codelco’s four key GMD systems, three at Ministro Hales mine in Antofagasta region and one at Andina mine in Valparaíso region. While these mines are more than 1,500km apart and distinct in design, this contract brings both sites under centralised service management. ABB will support sustainability and innovation goals by improving operational efficiency and asset availability, and evolving technology solutions over time.
GMDs are increasingly integral to the operation of copper mining plants, ensuring efficient ore grinding while minimising energy consumption and emissions. With copper production expected to face increasing demand over the next decade, maintaining the reliability of these critical systems is vital to meeting market needs. This agreement supports Codelco’s goal to maximise uptime and enhance asset availability while avoiding unscheduled downtime and sustaining productivity.
ABB’s GMDs are designed to eliminate all mechanical drivetrain components and are used to run some of the world’s largest grinding mills, essential mine infrastructure that crush ore, separating the valuable mineral from the remaining rock. These GMDs deliver more efficient, reliable operations with lower emissions, helping the industry meet the demands for minerals critical to a low carbon future. Maximising the output of various critical minerals and metals is vital as the world electrifies and decarbonises.
www.global.abb
