Swedish mining company Nordic Iron Ore has appointed ABB to scope process control and management systems for a future-proof and fully-digitalised mining operation at the Blötberget iron ore mine.
ABB has provided mine design consultancy and recommended scope of supply for the opening of the former Blötberget mine near Ludvika in the Dalarna region of Sweden. The mine, which has been closed since 1979, is being redeveloped by Nordic Iron Ore and is transitioning from study phase towards construction.
ABB’s recommendation addresses automation, digitalisation and electrification for long-term, safe, sustainable and efficient mining operations at the site. The technology provider analysed a detailed feasibility study by Nordic Iron Ore and has made a significant advancement on the definitions and scope of supply of the automation and electrification aspects of the mine.
Automation and digital solutions to meet the challenges in designing and developing a new mine include ABB Ability System 800xA distributed control system and cloud-based solution ABB Ability Genix Dashboard, which supports digitalised ways of working with reports and increased transparency. ABB Ability Operations Management System, which is designed to maximise coordination between weekly production plans and dynamic situations in the mine to improve efficiency, increase productivity and maximise profitability, is another example.
“Mining and the support industries are a significant part of the Swedish economy, with some of the most advanced and efficient mining operations anywhere in the world,” said Lennart Eliasson, managing director of Nordic Iron Ore.
“There are many challenges when opening a new mine. We want to draw on the strong technology knowledge that exists in Sweden to open a mine with low environmental impact and footprint and that is also competitive and safe.
“The early involvement from ABB, which has a track record of working with innovative mines in Sweden, ensures that the construction design and planning for the development of the mine can take a significant step forwards and with improved costs and benefits forecast accuracy.”
The Blötberget mine is expected to be operational in 2024.
