South African diamond mine to use ABB hoists

The Venetia Mine, South Africa’s largest producer of diamonds, has engaged ABB to provide four hoists. ABB will supply one double-drum hoist for personnel and material conveyance, two friction hoists for production and one single-drum hoist for service duty.

De Beers, which is 85% owned by Anglo American, the balance by the Republic of Botswana, is sinking two new shafts adjacent to the existing open pit in order to access deeper ore reserves that cannot be reached through conventional surface mining techniques.

ABB will provide the design, supply, manufacture, installation and commissioning of all four hoists, including hoist mechanicals, motors and electrical drive and control, all certified to the highest safety integrity levels (SIL). This is the first time that multiple, turnkey, large friction mine hoists are being delivered to the South African mining industry. The installation will commence in July 2018 and all four hoists are due to become operational in April 2020.

“With mineral deposits becoming increasingly difficult to access, increasing productivity while ensuring safety and reliability are key customer requirements,” said Roger Bailey, managing director of ABB’s Process Industries business. “ABB is the only supplier with the unique capability to design, supply, install and provide long-term service and support of entire mine hoist systems. Leadership in supplying power and automation for site is a key component of ABB’s next-level strategy.”

Open pit mining is due to continue until 2022. It is expected that underground mining will extend the site’s operational life into the 2040s, with the potential to deliver an estimated 94 million carats (18.8 tonnes).

The project represents De Beers’ biggest capital investment in South Africa. Since hoisting forms a critical aspect of underground mining, particularly with respect to safety, ABB believes it is the supplier best suited, with a solid track record in installing such complex systems.

ABB has worked with De Beers previously and believes it was selected for its proven ability to provide a complete mechanical and electrical hoist package, as well as its expertise in installing SIL-compliant systems.