HOISTS: Agnico Eagle’s Kittila chooses ABB

[caption id="attachment_1003724727" align="aligncenter" width="475"] ABB is supplying both the production and personnel hoists at Agnico Eagle’s Kittila gold mine. (Image: ABB)[/caption] FINLAND – As part of the development of the largest gold mine in Europe – located in Kittila in the far north of Finland – Agnico Eagle Mines of Toronto has chosen ABB’s production and personnel hoists. This investment will contribute to increasing the capacity of the mine and reducing the use of fossil fuels. The delivery is part of the $186 million expansion investment in the Kittila mine which started in the spring of 2018. A new 1,044-metre-deep shaftwill make it possible to mine the deeper parts of the deposit in an economically viable way. This will also improve the energy efficiency of the mine and reduce the use of fossil fuels, as it will replace the truck and off-road vehicle transport of ore and personnel. The processing capacity of the mine's concentrating plant will increase from the current 1.6 million to 2.0 million t/y. ABB will deliver one friction type production hoist with 2.5 MW of  motor power as well as a 1.2 MW single-drum personnel hoist. These are the first hoists in the Kittila gold mine. ABB will also deliver online remote support services for real-time hoist condition monitoring. With ABB Ability, ABB will provide the best availability and expert support for the customer for this project. The new hoists will be installed and commissioned at the Kittila mine during 2020-21. “ABB has proven to be a reliable and capable partner in mining projects. In addition, ABB has a comprehensive service network in the area, which is indispensable for ensuring production," said Kittila project manager Seppo Voutilainen. The mining field is experiencing a period of strong growth in Finland. In 2017, over $349 million was invested in mining operations. The growth from the previous year was 25%. ABB has delivered over 700 mine hoisting systems all over the world, among which many hold the world records of either in capacity or efficiency. The Kittila mine already utilizes a varied range of ABB technology, including motors, an automation system, frequency converters and instruments. The current life cycle of the mine is estimated to last at least until 2035. ABB is a pioneering technology leader in power grids, electrification products, industrial automation and robotics and motion, serving customers in utilities, industry and transport and infrastructure globally. Please visit www.ABB.com.