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ABB integrates copper mine automation systems

  • November 21, 2006
  • ABB
  • News

Summary

Baden, Switzerland, November 21, 2006 -- Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, has selected ABB to integrate numerous isolated automation systems at its Andina underground mine in Chile into a single, ABB-managed platform, using System 800xA Extended Automation. The benefits are "countless," says the customer. Andina is one of four underground mines that Codelco operates in Chile. The mine currently has about 15 different automation systems monitoring and controlling equipment like fans, compressors, chutes, electrical machines, dust suppressors as well as large systems and networks for water, air, ventilation, vibration measurement and analysis, traffic lights and closed circuit TV.Each system is supplied and serviced by a different vendor, which makes for a costly and inefficient process. Codelco selected ABB to integrate this array of isolated automation systems into a single platform, operated from a new, state-of-the-art control room 40 kilometers away at Codelco Andina's divisional headquarters. The solution is based on ABB's award-winning extended automation platform System 800xA and Knowledge Manager software. Key performance indicators ABB will service and maintain the new system for a period of eight years to ensure that quantifiable improvements in key performance indicators like availability, reliability, energy efficiency, safety and security are achieved. "Centralizing the mine's main systems into a state-of-the-art control room will lead to countless benefits," says Manuel Ramos, project manager for Coldeco Andina, "including enhanced safety and operational efficiency, better control of assets and improved decision making by seeing the operation as a large-scale system."In addition to becoming Codelco's sole partner for the mine's automation, ABB will help improve the mine's environmental monitoring system by integrating several existing platforms into a single optimized system.ABB's scope of supply for the entire automation project extends from system design and engineering to installation and commissioning. As part of the eight-year ABB Performance Services contract, ABB will upgrade the system hardware and software to ensure continuous optimal performance, as well as maintain a 24-hour onsite service and support unit.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 107,000 people. Learn More

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