The mine of the future is carbon-dioxide-free, digitalized and autonomous. To set a new world standard for sustainable mining at great depth, LKAB, ABB, Epiroc, Combitech and Sandvik have joined forces in a partnership and started in 2018 a unique testbed in the ore fields of northern Sweden.
Within the framework of the testbed the best means of building an efficient autonomous production system that is carbon-dioxide-free and has the highest conceivable level of safety will be studied. The project aims to achieve zero carbon dioxide emissions, with higher safety for workers while increasing productivity by 50 per cent including deeper mining activities.
”To meet the mining industry’s challenges it is essential that we work together to create effective solutions that guarantee safe mining operations that are economically, environmentally and socially sustainable. To secure our future competitiveness, we must continue to make the best use of our collective know-how. Within the framework of this project, suppliers and mining companies have joined forces under a common vision whereby ABB, with our longstanding experience of both automation and electrification of mines, will shape the future of sustainable mining together with our partners,” says Björn Rosengren, CEO of ABB.
"We’re proud to be a part of this collaboration between companies. Electrification and automation are two important parameters to focus on to increase sustainability in the mining industry. The innovations required to reach the top are not something that any individual player has the opportunity to develop," says Björn Jonsson, Head of Process Automation, ABB Sweden.