- ABB will provide a critical upgrade to key hoist infrastructure to boost operational safety, reliability and performance
- The project will leverage advanced digital safety systems, power conversion and hydraulic systems to protect the primary production haulage system throughout the mine’s future life
- This collaboration follows five years of engineering partnership and demonstrates long-term commitment to mine modernization
ABB has been selected by Bluestone Mines Tasmania Joint Venture Pty Ltd (BMTJV) to deliver a significant modernization of the main production hoist at Australia’s largest tin mine. With global tin demand expected to reach 420,000 tons annually by the end of this decade1, the upgrade at the Renison Tin Mine marks an important milestone in BMTJV’s long-term investment to enhance operational safety, efficiency and sustainability.
With the mine now operating at greater depths, hoist modernization became essential to maintain reliability, maximize productivity and extend the life expectancy of critical machinery. The upgrade from ABB will replace a legacy hoist system that was installed at the Tasmanian west coast mine in the 1990s. The design will address space constraints in the existing winder house, using an innovative layout that retrofits new equipment into the current switch room and introduces a new surface-mounted room for control and safety systems.
As part of the modernization – and against a backdrop of mining production costs increasing by nearly 30 percent2 globally over the past five years – ABB will also deliver a digitally integrated control system to ensure reliable performance, reduce downtime and streamline machine maintenance. At the same time, the new system will enhance energy efficiency to provide a more sustainable, cost-effective haulage solution for deeper mine operations, particularly when compared to traditional trucking.
The system will also help to reduce heat load and congestion on the decline, and achieve production costs not seen with other material haulage solutions. Image Bluestone Mines 
The installation will include ABB’s latest Safety Plus hoist control platform, a fully SIL 3-certified system designed to meet the highest functional safety standards. Image ABB 
ABB will work with the customer to commission the upgraded hoist system in 2026. Image Bluestone Mines
“This investment supports the long-term future of the Renison operation,” said Mark Recklies, BMTJV Chief Operating Officer. “Working alongside ABB, we’re upgrading a critical part of our infrastructure in a way that ensures safety, improves system availability and prepares us for the next decade of production of important minerals.”
“The project reflects five years of close collaboration and problem solving,” said Brian McDonald, ABB Australia Sales Engineer for Hoisting. “We’re proud to support BMTJV with a tailored solution that not only upgrades their infrastructure but does so in a smart, future-ready way that balances safety, performance and sustainability. The upgrade of the hoist system, when compared to trucking operations, just made sense. The hoist provides benefits beyond just moving ore, also helping to reduce heat load and congestion on the decline and achieving production costs not seen with other material haulage solutions.”
The upgrade, which began in the first quarter of 2025, also includes the installation of ABB’s latest Safety Plus hoist control platform, a fully SIL 3-certified system designed to meet the highest functional safety standards. ABB will be supplying a new DC converter, brake stands, hydraulic power system, shaft communication system and a full suite of engineering and commissioning services.
Commissioning is expected in 2026, with both ABB and BMTJV committed to highlighting the project’s progress through future collaboration.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, enabling a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. By connecting its engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries run at high performance, while becoming more efficient, productive and sustainable so they outperform. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun’. The company has over 140 years of history and around 110,000 employees worldwide. ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB). www.abb.com
ABB’s Process Automation business automates, electrifies and digitalizes industrial operations that address a wide range of essential needs – from supplying energy, water and materials, to producing goods and transporting them to market. With its ~20,000 employees, leading technology and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid and maritime industries outrun – leaner and cleaner. go.abb/processautomation
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2. Mine 2025: Concentrating on the future | PwC
