ArcelorMittal and ABB Partner on Mining Automation
ArcelorMittal, the world's largest steel and mining company, has announced a strategic partnership with tech company ABB to spearhead advanced automation solutions in its iron ore mining operations.
The collaboration is designed to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across ArcelorMittal's global mining portfolio.
ArcelorMittal operates iron ore mines in several countries, including Canada, Ukraine, and Liberia. The company's mining division plays a crucial role in supplying raw materials to its steel production facilities and external customers worldwide.
Kleber Silva, Chief Executive of ArcelorMittal Mining, says, "Our partnership with ABB aligns with our commitment to innovation and sustainable mining practices. By leveraging cutting-edge automation technologies, we aim to enhance our operational performance while reducing our environmental footprint."
ABB, a multinational corporation headquartered in Switzerland, specializes in robotics, power, and automation technology. The company has a long history of providing solutions to the mining industry, including electrification, automation, and digital systems.
The collaboration between ArcelorMittal and ABB will focus on implementing advanced process control systems, remote operations centers, and predictive maintenance solutions across ArcelorMittal's mining operations.
Silva adds: "These technologies will enable us to optimize our production processes, improve asset utilization, and enhance safety for our workforce."
ArcelorMittal's Canadian operations to benefit from ABB's expertise
One of the key areas where the partnership will have a significant impact is ArcelorMittal's operations in Canada. The company's mines in the Labrador Trough region of Quebec are among its most productive assets, producing high-grade iron ore concentrate and pellets.
Mapi Mobwano, CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining Canada, reveals, "We are particularly excited about the potential of ABB's solutions to enhance our Canadian operations. Our focus is on increasing the production of direct reduced iron (DRI) grade pellets, which are crucial for low-carbon steelmaking."
ArcelorMittal is currently upgrading its pelletizing plant in Canada with flotation technology to boost the output of premium DRI-grade pellets. This upgrade will increase production from 3 million tonnes to 10 million tonnes per year.
Mobwano says, "ABB's automation solutions will play a vital role in optimizing this new process and ensuring consistent quality of our DRI-grade pellets."
The implementation of ABB's technologies is expected to improve overall equipment effectiveness, including reliability, utilization, and productivity. This aligns with ArcelorMittal's strategy to maximize the production of high-value iron ore products.
Enhancing sustainability through digital transformation
ArcelorMittal's collaboration with ABB extends beyond operational improvements to address sustainability challenges in the mining industry. The partnership will focus on implementing digital solutions to reduce energy consumption, optimize water usage, and minimize waste generation.
Silva explains, "Sustainability is at the core of our mining strategy. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact while meeting the growing demand for high-quality iron ore products."
ABB's digital solutions, including its ABB Ability™ platform, will provide real-time data analytics and insights to help ArcelorMittal optimize its mining processes and reduce resource consumption.
Remote operations centres
The technology company will also support ArcelorMittal in developing remote operations centres, allowing for centralized monitoring and control of multiple mining sites. This approach is expected to improve operational efficiency and reduce the need for on-site personnel in potentially hazardous areas.
Michiel Van Der Merwe, CEO of ArcelorMittal Mining Liberia, adds: "The implementation of remote operations technology will be particularly beneficial for our Liberian operations, where we are expanding production capacity to 15 million tonnes of high-grade concentrate annually."
ArcelorMittal's partnership with ABB demonstrates the mining industry's growing focus on digital transformation and sustainability. As the sector faces increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact and improve operational efficiency, collaborations between mining companies and technology providers are becoming increasingly important.
Silva concludes: "Our partnership with ABB is a testament to ArcelorMittal's commitment to innovation and sustainable mining practices. We believe this collaboration will set new benchmarks for the industry and contribute to our long-term success in the global iron ore market."
About ArcelorMittal
ArcelorMittal is the world's leading steel and mining company, with a presence in 60 countries and primary steelmaking facilities in 17 countries. In 2020, ArcelorMittal had revenues of $53.3 billion and crude steel production of 71.5 million metric tonnes.
The company's mining operations produced 58 million tonnes of iron ore in 2020, making it a significant player in the global iron ore market. ArcelorMittal's mining division operates assets in various countries, including Brazil, Canada, Kazakhstan, Liberia, Mexico, and Ukraine.
Its integrated business model, combining steel production with raw material mining, provides a competitive advantage in terms of cost control and supply security. ArcelorMittal's focus on innovation and sustainability in its mining operations positions it as a key influencer in shaping the future of the mining industry.
