Can you provide an overview of ABB’s performance over the past two years and explain how the pandemic impacted the company?

Certainly. Over the past two years, ABB has experienced notable changes in customer demands, largely influenced by the pandemic. There has been a significant shift towards increased interest in digital technologies and automation, particularly in the context of remote support. The pandemic has accelerated the mining industry’s willingness to embrace automation, digitalization, and remote operations. While remote access to mining sites may have been perceived as risky in the past, it has now become a necessity. As we move forward post-pandemic, the mining sector will continue on the path of digitalization, recognizing the immense benefits of remote operations.

ABB South Africa is responsible for implementing electrical, automation, and digital solutions for mining and minerals processing customers in the Southern African region. Our Process Industries division, based in Johannesburg, consists of approximately 100 professionals dedicated to project execution for mining and industrial clients. Additionally, we have smaller offices located in several other Southern African countries.

How does ABB’s Ability System 800xA enhance mining operations?

ABB Ability System 800xA serves as our flagship control system offering for the mining industry. In many South African mining operations, you often find multiple control systems within a single plant, resulting in poor integration. As the industry embraces digitization, it becomes increasingly important to consolidate all information into a central location for analytics and improved decision-making. The 800xA system goes beyond meeting process control requirements; it effectively consolidates information from various sources across a mine, which can then be utilized in higher-level digital implementations. It serves as not only a distributed control system but also an electrical control system, a safety system, and a collaboration enabler, enhancing engineering efficiency, operator performance, and asset utilization for mining operations.

Mines in South Africa are increasingly moving underground and emphasizing automation and sustainability. How is ABB responding to and capitalizing on these trends?

The South African mining industry has a strong focus on underground operations, and we observe three main trends emerging. The first trend is electrification. Traditionally, both open-pit and underground mines have relied on diesel vehicles, which are costly to operate and detrimental to the environment. However, there is growing interest in transitioning to electric fleets, a demand that will only escalate as battery technologies continue to advance. Recent developments in South Africa, such as increased self-generation of power without the need for licenses from regulatory bodies, further support the business case for electrifying mine fleets and utilizing renewable energy sources.

The second trend we are witnessing is digitalization. With systems that can track the location of people and equipment underground, providing real-time feedback on progress, scheduling optimization becomes possible to accommodate any unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, augmented reality solutions are starting to emerge, where mine workers wear headsets, enabling specialists from around the world to observe their activities in real-time and provide guidance and support.

Lastly, automation is a significant trend. Advanced process control is increasingly employed in processing plants to enhance recovery and throughput, while smart ventilation systems are being implemented in underground operations.

What are the main obstacles hindering the digital mining revolution in Southern Africa?

One perspective that hinders the digitalization of mines is the misconception that it will reduce the need for human capital. On the contrary, companies that embrace automation and digital offerings become more efficient and productive, gaining a competitive advantage. These companies often experience increased profitability and expand their operations, leading to job creation. Therefore, it is essential for the South African mining industry to adopt digital technologies to remain competitive on a global scale.

Another hindrance is the limited number of greenfield projects in Southern Africa. Retrofitting old mines with new technologies poses more challenges compared to implementing digital offerings in newly designed mines. With an increase in greenfield projects, we can expect to see the implementation of more advanced technologies throughout the mining sector.