ABB launches next-generation mine hoist control system drawing on 130 years of expertise

26.05.2022

• Global technology company ABB is introducing a new standardized hoist control system for use by mining companies worldwide
• New ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control can adapt to any hoist and replace older and third-party systems, offering more flexibility than ever
• The launch comes 130 years after ABB’s first electrical motor for a mine hoist was commissioned in Sweden in 1891

ABB announces the launch of ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control, a global control system enabling mining companies to achieve maximum performance and safety of hoist operations. Building on ABB’s reliable and proven past generations of hoist control systems, it brings new levels of reliability, flexibility and ease of use to smaller companies on greenfield projects or upgrades. It can also help larger companies reduce costs and improve efficiencies through standardization of control systems.

ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control, which is set to be unveiled at Euro Mine Expo 2022 in Sweden next month, is adaptable to any type of hoist and can be used in upgrade projects replacing third-party control systems. The NGX Hoist Operating Station was designed with the latest ergonomic and human factors engineering guidelines and is based on the latest human machine interface (HMI) insights, offering the most modern and intuitive operator interface.

It can be easily integrated with other market leading ABB technologies including ABB Ability™ Safety Plus for hoists – the first fully SIL 3 certified hoist solutions which ensure the highest level of safety – which was first commissioned in 2019 on the world’s largest friction hoists. It is also compatible with advanced digital monitoring service ABB Ability™ Performance Optimization for hoists which continuously tracks the status of a mine hoist and improves uptime, availability, performance and productivity by providing actionable information on key performance indicators (KPIs) and provides remote access to ABB experts at all times.

“This exciting new launch follows the recent introduction of ABB Ability Safety Plus and is another milestone for greater levels of reliability, optimization and protection for mine hoists,” said Oswald Deuchar, Global Product Line Manager for Hoisting, ABB. “With ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control mine operators benefit from more flexibility and an improved user experience, including round-the-clock support and the ability to manage hoists for greater optimization. By implementing the same control system across plants OPEX can be further improved.”

New ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control can adapt to any hoist and replace older and third-party systems

“The health and safety of people working in mines, from our people to our customers’ employees, is of paramount importance at ABB,” said Max Luedtke, Head of Global Product Group, Mining Aluminium Cement and Vice President at ABB. “ABB Ability NGX Hoist Control is the latest example of this and follows the development of ABB Ability Safety Plus for hoists and of autonomous solutions including ventilation on demand and digital services. Together these improve the quality of the working environment, and enable remote supervision and autonomous operation, removing operators from hazardous areas.”

 ABB Ability™ NGX Hoist Control mine operators benefit from greater reliability, more flexibility and an improved user experience

ABB will exhibit on Booth 188 in the Zink Hall at Euro Mine Expo 2022. The trade fair and conference is being held in Skellefteå Kraft Arena, Skellefteå, Sweden from Tuesday, June 14 to Thursday, June 16.

ABB draws on more than 130 years of experience in the mining industry and is a pioneer in the integration of electrification, automation and digitalization in mining. ABB is the sole supplier of complete mine hoist systems. ABB mine hoist solutions provide low life cycle cost, high reliability and system availability, short project execution time, and a single source of supply for complete systems, including service and spare parts.

ABB's global control system will enable mining companies to achieve maximum performance and safety of hoist operations

Photos: ABB

For more information, please visit: https://global.abb/group/en