October 18, 2010 - ABB won orders worth $47 million to supply power substations to help Rio Tinto increase production capacity at iron ore mines in the Pilbara region of Western Australia to meet growing demand. The substations are to be constructed at the Marandoo and Tom Price mine sites. ABB’s turnkey solution includes design, supply, installation and commissioning of high-voltage 220/33 kilovolt (kV) substations, expected to be operational in about 15 months. The equipment package includes power transformers, instrument transformers, disconnectors and a range of high- and medium-voltage switchgear.
“The new substations will ensure Rio Tinto’s expansion plans in the region are supported by a reliable supply of quality power,” said Peter Leupp, head of ABB’s Power Systems division. ”We appreciate the trust Rio Tinto has placed in ABB’s technologies and project management capabilities.” Since 2005, ABB has successfully completed the Millstream, Hope Downs, Juna Downs and Coastal (7 Mile) substation projects for Rio Tinto in the Pilbara region, and is currently executing similar projects at Cape Lambert and Dampier. Rio Tinto is a global leader in the exploration, mining and processing of minerals and metals, including aluminum, copper, diamonds, energy products, gold, industrial minerals and iron ore.
ABB is a leader in power and automation technologies that enable utility and industry customers to improve performance while lowering environmental impact. The ABB Group of companies operates in around 100 countries and employs about 117,000 people.