Bluestone Mines Tasmania Joint Venture Pty Ltd (BMTJV) has selected ABB to carry out a major upgrade of the primary production hoist at the Renison Tin Mine—Australia’s largest tin operation. The project represents a key investment in improving mine performance and preparing for future demand, as global tin consumption is forecasted to reach 420,000 tonnes per year by 2030.
With mining activities progressing to deeper levels, the existing hoist system—originally installed in the 1990s—requires modernization to maintain performance, increase reliability, and extend operational life. ABB’s solution will replace the legacy system with a new design that fits within the current infrastructure, overcoming space limitations in the winder house and adding a purpose-built control and safety room at the surface.
In response to rising production costs across the mining sector—up nearly 30% over the last five years—this upgrade will include ABB’s latest digitally integrated control platform. The modern system will support improved uptime, easier maintenance, and enhanced energy efficiency, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional haulage methods such as trucking.
“This investment secures the long-term future of Renison,” said Mark Recklies, Chief Operating Officer at BMTJV. “By partnering with ABB, we’re updating a critical asset to ensure safety, increase availability, and support our production goals well into the next decade.”
Brian McDonald, Sales Engineer for Hoisting at ABB Australia, added: “This project is the result of five years of close collaboration. The new system delivers a future-focused solution that improves safety, performance, and environmental outcomes. Compared to trucking, a modern hoist system helps reduce decline congestion, manage heat load, and ultimately lower production costs.”
The modernization effort, which began in Q1 2025, includes the integration of ABB’s Safety Plus control platform—a fully SIL 3-certified system built to meet the highest functional safety requirements. The project also involves installation of a new DC converter, brake systems, hydraulic power unit, shaft communications, and comprehensive engineering and commissioning services. Commissioning is scheduled for 2026. Both ABB and BMTJV plan to continue working closely to share progress and results as the project advances.
ABB is a global leader in automation and electrification, focused on helping industries become more efficient, sustainable, and productive. With a history spanning over 140 years and a global workforce of approximately 110,000, ABB combines engineering and digital technologies to support high-performance operations. ABB’s shares are traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). ABB’s Process Automation division supports a broad range of industries—from energy and water to manufacturing and shipping—by delivering smart solutions that enable cleaner, leaner operations.
