Barrick's Pueblo Viejo gold mine deploys ABB service expertise to minimise downtime on critical grinding operations

Delivered as part of an ongoing long-term service agreement (LTSA), ABB’s field service team worked with the site operators to restore essential GMD infrastructure that had been in operation for more than a decade.

With shutdown time tightly limited to protect the mine’s production target of 650 000 oz of gold in 2025, the service specialists executed their plan. Their expert response avoided unscheduled downtime and minimised planned downtime, ensuring production continuity at the nationally important mine which contributes nearly 2 percent to GDP.

A major part of the mission was optimising stator winding fixations, following a detailed mapping inspection. A planned shutdown window of 150 hours was scheduled, requiring precise coordination. The intervention was a large-scale operation, involving the mobilisation of a team of ABB field service engineers, comprehensive tooling, and materials logistics to ensure efficient execution.

“Pueblo Viejo is an important part of our portfolio and our operations, so we rely on high levels of equipment and machinery availability,” said Victor Martinez, Pueblo Viejo Section Manager - Process. “Working with ABB under our long-term service agreement provides a partnership approach in which our operations teams can work together side-by-side. As the manufacturer of our gearless mill drive systems, ABB was ideally placed to execute this crucial work scope.”

“This project reflects ABB’s commitment to mission-critical field service delivery,” said Martin Gerhard, Lifecycle Manager for Gearless Mill Drive, ABB Process Industries. “It also clearly shows the value of regular GMD inspections focused on preventive and predictive maintenance.”

Pueblo Viejo mine is located approximately 100 km northwest of the Dominican capital Santo Domingo and is operated by the Pueblo Viejo Dominicana Corporation – a joint venture between Barrick (60%) and Newmont (40%). First production occurred in 2012.

ABB’s GMDs are designed to eliminate all mechanical drivetrain components and are used to run some of the world’s largest grinding mills, essential mine infrastructure that crush ore, separating the valuable mineral from the remaining rock. These GMDs deliver more efficient, reliable operations with lower emissions, helping the industry meet the demands for minerals critical to a low carbon future. Maximising the output of various critical minerals and metals is vital as the world electrifies and decarbonises.

Read the article online at: https://www.globalminingreview.com/mining/14102025/barricks-pueblo-viejo-gold-mine-deploys-abb-service-expertise-to-minimise-downtime-on-critical-grinding-operations/