Oz Minerals contracts ABB for a Koepe production hoist in the Wira shaft at Prominent Hill copper-silver-gold mine in South Australia. (Photo: ABB)
Oz Minerals awarded a contract to ABB for its highest-payload Koepe production hoist, associated infrastructure and safety systems. The winder will operate in the planned Wira shaft, is designed to carry a maximum load of nearly 40 metric tons (mt), and will have the highest levels of safety through ABB Ability Safety Plus, the supplier said.
The contract is part of a $400 million shaft expansion at Prominent Hill copper-silver-gold mine in South Australia. The mine is expect to produce as much as 5 million mt per year starting in 2022.
ABB Ability Safety Plus is the first fully Safety Integrity Level 3-certified suite of solutions for hoists. The suite of solutions includes Safety Plus Hoist Monitor, Safety Plus Hoist Protector and Safety Plus Brake System, including Safety Brake Hydraulics.
The last four mine hoist contracts awarded in Australia went to ABB, the supplier said. “The project is important for the country’s mining industry and metals security,” said Stuart Cowie, head of process industries, ABB Australia. “The local supply chain and workforce also relies on the mine, and at ABB, we’re enabling it to continue for several more years with increased safety, higher production rates and lower emissions.”
