ABB wins top honour at Euromines Safety Awards

The top honour was given for ABB’s technology demonstrator, an automated robotic remote blasting loader and charger developed for use in underground mines, in collaboration with Boliden and LKAB, and explosive suppliers Forcit and LKAB Kimit.

The second annual edition of the awards, organised by the European Association of Mining Industries, Metal Ores and Industrial Minerals (Euromines), attracted dozens of applications from member companies and institutions around the world. On the awards night, three were chosen for honours out of 12 finalists, with ABB taking home the gold prize.

The objective of ABB’s robotic loader and charger is to make mines safer by automating one of few manual processes left in mining: charging the blasting holes with explosives. This is a process that can take place up to 15 times per day in larger mines as miners expand the chambers to extract mineral and metal ores. The technology automatically detects boreholes and fills them with explosives without the presence of workers, removing the need for people to be near the unsupported rock face during loading and charging sequences.

The technology comprises of the main ABB industrial robotic arm mounted on a carrier vehicle with integrated bulk emulsion and vision systems and a second robot arm to assemble prime and detonator. It is an automated solution that ensures full reach to all borehole levels and areas of the rock face and remote control for operators.

“ABB’s dedication to maintaining a safe workplace is a credit to the mining industry and we commend the team for their ongoing efforts,” said Rolf Kuby, Director General of Euromines. “We thank all participants for their endeavours and look forward to continuing to use technologies and best practices to improve the mining industry daily.”

“While productivity and sustainability are lauded for propelling the mining industry forwards, safety is the key driver, it is always number one,” added Max Luedtke, Business Line Manager for Mining, ABB Process Industries. “For ABB, solutions in engineering and through industry-specific technologies are how we make real progress. Having the automated robotic remote loader and charger recognised by our peers for the true difference it can make in removing people from harm’s way while maintaining productive operations is an honour. We want to thank our partners in that journey, Boliden and LKAB, Forcit and LKAB Kimit. This is an award for all who have contributed to the concept becoming a reality.”

The annual awards ceremony recognises contributions by Euromines member companies towards enhancing health and safety in the European mining sector. An independent jury, composed by experts from EU circles, assessed the application projects based on the criteria of innovation, impact, practicality and financial impact.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/14102024/abb-wins-top-honour-at-euromines-safety-awards/