- ABB to supply, construct and commission a 120kV substation for the landmark electrification project
- Connection to hydroelectric power ensures clean energy source for what could become the world's first all-electric, open-pit mine
Nouveau Monde Graphite has awarded ABB a contract to supply, construct and commission the 120kV substation for its Phase-2 Matawinie Mine in the province of Quebec, Canada, as part of the construction preparation for the establishment of a 103,000 tons per annum graphite mining and concentrator complex.
Located 120 km north of Montreal, the Matawinie Mine will be connected to the provincial hydropower network, enabling the access to clean energy to support mining activities and concentrator production of carbon-neutral graphite concentrate destined for the lithium-ion battery market. Nouveau Monde Graphite is set to equip the Matawinie Mine with a zero-emission mining fleet and associated charging infrastructure, which would make it the world’s first all-electric open-pit mine when it starts operating.
“We are excited to move one step closer to building the mine of the future, powered by clean energy to responsibly extract and produce a critical mineral for global decarbonization,” said Eric Desaulniers, Founder, President and CEO of Nouveau Monde Graphite. “Our environmental stewardship and innovative mindset have been matched by the team at ABB, from the commencement of our electrification journey, to translate our vision into reality.”
The Phase-1 concentration plant at the Matawanie Mine. Image Nouveau Monde Graphite 
Work is underway to build the mine of the future in Quebec, Canada. Image Nouveau Monde Graphite 
Innovative co-disposal tailings management work at the Matawinie Mine. Image Nouveau Monde Graphite
A recognized global leader in mine electrification with its ABB eMine™ portfolio of solutions, ABB will lead construction of the substation as the primary connection point between the mine site and Hydro-Québec’s hydropower generation facility, enabling full electrification of the Matawinie Mine using clean energy. With dedicated project management resources from ABB overseeing engineering, supply, commissioning and start-up of the substation, Nouveau Monde Graphite will rely on robust technical expertise.
“It’s a proud moment for the electrification and automation professionals at ABB to be part of this landmark operation at Matawinie, the type of project we’ve been working towards in recent years,” said Sachin Jari, Head of Mining for North America, ABB Process Industries. “From the onset, we’ve engaged with Nouveau Monde Graphite to help make their vision a reality and now have the opportunity to power it forward together.”
ABB is a technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. The company’s solutions connect engineering know-how and software to optimize how things are manufactured, moved, powered and operated. Building on over 130 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are committed to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.
ABB’s Process Automation business is a leader in automation, electrification and digitalization for the process and hybrid industries. We serve our customers with a broad portfolio of products, systems, and end-to-end solutions, including our # 1 distributed control system, software, and lifecycle services, industry-specific products as well as measurement and analytics and marine offerings. As the global #2 in the market, we build on our deep domain expertise, diverse team and global footprint, and are dedicated to helping our customers increase competitiveness, improve their return on investment and run safe, smart, and sustainable operations. go.abb/processautomation
Nouveau Monde Graphite is an integrated company developing responsible mining and advanced manufacturing operations to supply the global economy with carbon-neutral active anode material to power EV and renewable energy storage systems. The Company is developing a fully integrated ore-to-battery-material source of graphite-based active anode material in Québec, Canada. With enviable ESG standards and structuring partnerships with anchor customers, NMG is set to become a strategic supplier to the world’s leading lithium-ion battery and EV manufacturers, providing high-performing and reliable advanced materials while promoting sustainability and supply chain traceability. www.NMG.com
