ABB to supply hoists for South African diamond mine expansion
ABB will provide four hoists to the Venetia Mine, South Africa’s largest producer of diamonds
“With mineral deposits becoming increasingly difficult to access, increasing productivity while ensuring safety and reliability are key customer requirements,” said Roger Bailey, Managing Director of ABB’s Process Industries business. “ABB is the only supplier with the unique capability to design, supply, install and provide long-term service and support of entire mine hoist systems. Leadership in supplying power and automation for site is a key component of ABB’s next level strategy. “
Open pit mining is due to continue until 2022, and it is expected that underground mining will extend the site’s operational life into the 2040’s, with the potential to deliver an estimated 94 million carats. (18.80 metric tons).
De Beers, which is 85% owned by Anglo American, the balance by the Republic of Botswana, is sinking two new shafts adjacent to the existing open pit in order to access deeper ore reserves that cannot be reached through conventional surface mining techniques.
The project represents De Beers’ biggest capital investment in South Africa. Since hoisting forms a critical aspect of underground mining, particularly with respect to safety, ABB believes it is the supplier best suited with a solid track record in installing such complex systems.
ABB has worked with De Beers previously and believes it was selected for its proven ability to provide a complete mechanical and electrical hoist package, as well as its expertise in installing SIL compliant systems.
ABB (www.abb.com) is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility, industry, and transport and infrastructure customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in roughly 100 countries and employs about 135,000 people.
