August 27, 2012 - ABB will supply two synchronous condensers for Xstrata Copper’s Las Bambas greenfield copper project in southern Peru. The contract was awarded in the second quarter of 2012, deliveries are scheduled for 2013. Located near Cusco, in Peru’s Apurimac Region at an elevation of over 4,000 meters above sea level, the Las Bambas mining project contemplates three open-pit mines. It is projected to produce an initial 400,000 tons of copper per year in concentrate, including significant gold, silver and molybdenum by-products. Commissioning of the mine is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2014.
ABB’s scope of supply includes two synchronous condenser systems comprised of 20-megavolt ampere synchronous motors, distribution transformers, frequency converters, excitation and protection panels as well as chiller systems. The project is located in a remote area and connected by a long power transmission line. ABB’s delivery will ensure safe and reliable operation of the large mills and conveyors at the mine by providing the needed level of short circuit power. The integration of synchronous condensers and harmonic filters mitigate the harmonics and improve the short circuit level, and will optimize the mine? s productivity and energy efficiency.
ABB has previously supplied two identical synchronous condensers together with a harmonic filter system for Xstrata Copper’s Antapaccay project in Peru. ABB’s expertise in the integration of harmonic filter systems with synchronous condensers, strong local service presence and an excellent reputation in the South American market, were important factors for winning this follow-up contract with Xstrata. Bechtel, Xstrata’s EPCM contractor, will manage the project. ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve their performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 145,000 people.