The successful implementation of the inaugural hybrid trolley electric and battery system at Boliden’s Kristineberg mine in Sweden, covering an 800-meter test track with a 13% gradient, underscores ABB’s role alongside collaborators Boliden and Epiroc.
As the demand for critical minerals surges to meet the transition towards cleaner energy sources —an increase projected between 1.5 and sevenfold by 2030, as forecasted by the International Energy Agency (IEA)—the imperative of electrification has become indisputable.
Beyond the imperative to slash carbon emissions, the electrification of mining operations promises to enhance the well-being and safety of industry personnel through the deployment of cutting-edge systems.
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ABB’s Contribution
ABB’s involvement spans the spectrum of infrastructure deployment—from configuring the electrical grid and implementing vehicle solutions to designing specialized trucks and erecting rectifier substations along the test track.
Moreover, the formulation of regulatory frameworks and vehicle interfaces arose from a collaborative effort among project stakeholders. Additionally, the integration of the eMine Trolley system with the ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system (DCS) enhances the efficacy of electrical system monitoring.
Innovative Endeavors
Collaboratively, ABB and its partners embarked on pioneering ventures, culminating in the development of a digital twin capable of simulating myriad scenarios.
This endeavor yielded a dynamic Trolley system, fortified with intelligent features and measurement capabilities, fostering transparency and seamless adjustments in power allocation tailored to evolving operational exigencies.
Max Luedtke, ABB’s Global Business Line Manager for Mining, remarked, “We are driven by a fervent commitment to spearhead tangible progress within the mining sector. Bearing witness to the operational debut of the first battery electric trolley truck signifies not only a testament to collaborative efforts with Boliden and Epiroc but also heralds a watershed moment for the industry.”
He concluded, “The introduction of the ABB eMine paradigm, showcasing methodologies and solutions spanning the gamut from grid integration to vehicular systems, underscores the transformative potential of our endeavors”.
