ABB has signed a contract for a mine hoists delivery to Eti Bakır, Türkiye’s largest producer of copper, in a joint effort to contribute to the mining industry’s ongoing sustainable transformation. The two organisations have signed an agreement which will see ABB provide two hoists to the new underground copper mine.
Located in the Maden district of Elaziğ, the mine is currently under development and is expected to be fully operational within the next three years. With the opening of the new mine, integrating comprehensive and efficient solutions Eti Bakır A.Ş. anticipates an increase of almost 30% of its total cathode production, reaching a total of 90,000 t. ABB’s mine hoists, which are scheduled for commissioning at the site in Q4 2025, utilise the most efficient and reliable electrical drives and motors available to minimise energy consumption.
Copper’s critical role in clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery storage, underpins its importance in the global transition. According to the International Energy Agency, mineral demand from clean energy technologies is expected to double by 2040 in the Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) and quadruple in the Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS). This predicted surge in demand makes it all the more vital for the mining industry to adopt more sustainable operations for cleaner output.
As a complete supplier of mine hoist systems, ABB will deliver the full scope of hoisting services. This includes both a production and an auxiliary hoist, which comprise of mechanical and electrical equipment, for one double drum and one single drum hoist, as well as head sheaves and arrestors. The reliability of these hoists will increase the productivity of operations, ensuring heightened efficiency and enhancing the safety of operators. The agreement represents ABB’s first complete mine hoist installation in Türkiye.
“The installation of full mine hoist solutions will not only help to enhance copper production but also support in the extraction of other critical minerals,” said Yılmaz Şara, Investment Manager, Eti Bakır A.Ş. “Our collaboration with ABB underscores the importance of maintaining high standards of reliability and productivity in mining operations, contributing significantly to the extraction of necessary resources.”
“This project represents a key milestone for ABB mine hoist systems, as our first complete installation in Türkiye. As adoption of these crucial systems increases, the mining industry grows closer to realising more efficient and sustainable operations,” said Per Lärk, Local Business Line Manager, Hoisting, ABB. “With our expanding catalogue of mine hoist solutions, we look forward to working closely with Eti Bakır A.Ş. to develop tailored services to drive safety and efficiency, while simultaneously supporting sustainable energy goals.”
With more than 130 years’ experience in the mining industry, ABB says it is dedicated to developing solutions that drive the sustainable future of mining without compromising on productivity. “ABB’s mine hoists are renowned for their high equipment availability, all-electric operation, and exceptional reliability and efficiency. These attributes are pivotal in ensuring the continuous, uninterrupted operation of mining facilities, thereby maximising productivity and safety.”
The collaboration between ABB and Eti Bakır emphasises a shared commitment to furthering sustainability in mining in the global transition to more environmental practices. The integration of this mine hoist technology facilitates the productivity of copper production, ensuring higher safety and efficiency in operations.
