Mining company BHP has selected ABB to deliver three friction hoists and an electrical system for a Blair service hoist at the Jansen Potash Project in Canada.
Installation of the initial two hoists at BHP’s Jansen Potash Project has begun, with the remaining hoisting systems scheduled for installation and commissioning between 2026 and 2027.
One of the two production hoists is reputed to be the world’s largest by production capacity, capable of transporting payloads of 75 tonnes.
Its six ropes are designed to support heavy loads from 1km underground at a maximum speed of 18.3 metres per second, powered by dual 7,700kW motors.
The service and production shafts have been prepared for the new hoisting systems. ABB’s delivery consists of two hoists for the service shaft, including the cage.
Additionally, ABB has provided a hydraulic braking system, electrical controls and a powertrain for a temporary Blair cage hoist, which will operate in the production shaft for two years.
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By GlobalData
This temporary hoist will be replaced by the high-capacity production hoist, which is expected to commence operation by 2027.
Each mine hoist will be equipped with ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists, said to be the world’s first fully SIL 3 certified safety solution.
BHP Potash Projects vice-president Simon Thomas said: “The hoists and hoisting systems will play a crucial role in the efficient and safe extraction of potash, giving Jansen its competitive edge.
“The new contract further strengthens our existing strategic partnership with ABB, and we look forward to continuing to work together as we plan to drive productivity, safety and sustainability.”
The partnership between ABB and BHP extends beyond the hoisting systems as they have previously collaborated on integrating power management systems for the Jansen Potash Project.
This project is expected to become the world’s largest potash mine, with an initial capacity of 4.5 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) and potential future expansion to increase capacity by an additional 16–17mtpa.
ABB Process Industries global business line manager for hoisting Björn Jonsson said: “Helping customers enhance productivity and safety with our solutions is key to us.
“We are happy to continue our work with BHP on increasing the efficiency and productivity of the Jansen mine while continuously helping to improve the safety of people and operations.
“ABB’s mine hoists are some of the safest in the world, adhering to the highest regulations, and we are pleased to combine this with enhanced capacity loading as the industry continues to look for solutions that maximise productivity in order to meet demand.”
Last month, BHP unveiled plans to increase copper production in Chile, projecting a rise from 430,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) to 540,000tpa from its existing operations.
