Multinational electrical specialist ABB has received three orders to supply electrical equipment in container design, known as E-houses, at the Sierra Gorda project in the north of Chile.

As per the orders, ABB will supply seven fully-integrated, containerised E-houses equipped with medium voltage (MV) switchgears, battery chargers, low voltage (LV) drives and motor control centres, uninterrupted power supply, instrumentation panels, a distributed control system, MV drive systems, LV drives and ABACUS (containerised high voltage filter bank).

The Sierra Gorda Project is a joint venture between KGHM International Sumitomo Metal Mining and Sumitomo Corporation.

With an average lifetime of 30 years, E-houses will ensure consistent power distribution to seawater pumps, the molybdenum plant and for the tailings treatment process at the Sierra Gorda mine.

Sierra Gorda SCM development vice-president said that ABB’s mining industry experience and performance, and the timely deliveries of its equipment were major factors for choosing ABB as partner.

E-houses can be configured to withstand extreme climate and environmental conditions such as temperature variations, humidity, storm and bomb blasts with various levels of fire rating, ABB claims.

The container-sized E-house allows for easy transportation, installation and commissioning.

Production is scheduled to commence in the second quarter of this year.

This latest contract follows closely behind a recent order for ABB three gearless mill drive systems, and automation and power infrastructure equipment for Sierra Gorda’s main concentrator plant.

Energy