ABB Mine Hoists to Enhance Safety and Efficiency in Copper Extraction at Eti Bakır’s New Underground Mine

ABB
Image Courtesy: ABB

ABB, a global technology leader, has secured a contract to deliver mine hoists to Eti Bakır A.Ş., Turkey’s largest copper producer, as part of a collaborative effort to promote sustainable practices in the mining sector.

The agreement entails the provision of two hoists for a new underground copper mine currently being developed in the Maden district of Elaziğ, which is anticipated to be operational within three years. The new facility aims to boost total cathode production by nearly 30%, reaching 90,000 tons.

ABB’s mine hoists, scheduled to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025, are designed to utilize advanced electrical drives and motors to optimize energy efficiency. Copper plays a crucial role in clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, electric vehicles, and battery storage, which highlights its importance in the global energy transition.

The International Energy Agency projects that demand for minerals from clean energy technologies will double by 2040 under the Stated Policies Scenario and quadruple under the Sustainable Development Scenario. This anticipated rise underscores the need for the mining industry to adopt more sustainable practices for cleaner output.

As a comprehensive supplier of mine hoist systems, ABB will provide a complete range of hoisting services, including production and auxiliary hoists, mechanical and electrical equipment, head sheaves, and arrestors. These reliable hoists are expected to enhance operational productivity and ensure the safety of operators, marking ABB’s first complete mine hoist installation in Turkey.

Yılmaz Şara, Investment Manager at Eti Bakır, stated, “The installation of complete mine hoist solutions will enhance copper production and aid in extracting other critical minerals. Our partnership with ABB highlights the importance of maintaining high standards of reliability and productivity in mining operations, significantly contributing to resource extraction.”

Per Lärk, Local Business Line Manager at ABB, noted, “This project marks a significant milestone for our mine hoist systems as our first complete installation in Turkey. As the mining industry increasingly adopts these essential systems, it moves closer to achieving more efficient and sustainable operations. We look forward to collaborating with Eti Bakır A.Ş. to tailor our services to enhance safety and efficiency while supporting sustainable energy goals.”

With over 130 years of experience in the mining sector, ABB is committed to delivering solutions that ensure the sustainable future of mining while maintaining productivity. The company’s mine hoists are known for their high equipment availability, all-electric operation, and exceptional reliability, which are essential for maximizing productivity and safety in mining facilities.

The collaboration between ABB and Eti Bakır reflects a mutual commitment to advancing sustainability in mining practices during the global transition towards environmentally friendly operations. Integrating ABB’s mine hoist technology is expected to boost copper production efficiency and safety in operations.

ABB’s Process Automation division focuses on automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations to meet essential needs, from energy and water supply to goods production and transport. With approximately 20,000 employees and leading technology expertise, ABB Process Automation supports customers across various industries in enhancing operational performance and safety, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.