ABB to control iron ore pellet plant in Oman

February 23, 2009 – ABB won an order worth approximately $62 million from Vale to supply electrification and automation systems and related equipment for a new iron ore pellet plant in Oman.

The new Vale plant, 230 kilometers northwest of Muscat, is expected to produce up to 10 million tons of iron ore pellets per year. Scheduled to start operations at the end of 2010, the facility will provide the Middle East region with iron ore and pellets for the steel industry.

ABB will provide complete electrification and automation solutions for the plant to maximize productivity, monitor energy use and minimize energy consumption. The scope of supply includes ABB’s Extended Automation System 800xA for process control and system integration, a collaborative production management system, all medium voltage and low voltage power distribution systems, transformers, drives, motors, and other auxiliary equipment, as well as the substation infrastructure and engineering.

“ABB’s ability to deliver a complete electrification and automation solution and successful track record of executing these complex projects helped us to win this important order,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division. “Our comprehensive approach helps customers to lower overall lifecycle costs, while improving productivity and energy efficiency.”

Over the years, ABB has delivered numerous automation solutions, services and related support to Vale’s mining operations all over the world. Vale is a diversified multinational mining company with operations in 30 countries on five continents, and is the world’s largest producer of iron ore and pellets.

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 120,000 people.