What's Happening?
ABB has successfully completed a gearless mill drive (GMD) service at Barrick's Pueblo Viejo gold mine in the Dominican Republic. This service was part of a long-term service agreement aimed at maintaining essential GMD infrastructure that has been operational for over a decade. The maintenance shutdown was meticulously planned to last 150 hours, with the goal of protecting the mine's production target of 650,000 ounces of gold in 2025. ABB's field service team worked closely with site operators to optimize stator winding fixations, ensuring efficient execution and minimizing downtime. The intervention involved a large-scale operation with comprehensive tooling and materials logistics.
Why It's Important?
The successful completion of the GMD service at Pueblo Viejo is crucial for maintaining production continuity at one of the world's significant gold mines. By minimizing downtime, ABB helps ensure that the mine meets its production targets, which is vital for the economic interests of Barrick and Newmont, the joint venture partners operating the mine. The efficient operation of GMDs is essential for the mining industry as it seeks to meet the growing demand for minerals critical to electrification and decarbonization efforts globally. This service reflects ABB's commitment to providing reliable and efficient solutions that support sustainable mining practices.
What's Next?
The ongoing partnership between ABB and Pueblo Viejo under the long-term service agreement suggests continued collaboration to maintain high levels of equipment availability. As the demand for critical minerals increases, ABB's role in ensuring efficient and reliable operations at Pueblo Viejo will likely expand. Future maintenance and service interventions will be crucial in supporting the mine's production goals and contributing to the broader industry efforts towards a low-carbon future.
Beyond the Headlines
The intervention at Pueblo Viejo highlights the importance of preventive and predictive maintenance in the mining industry. Regular inspections and timely service can prevent unscheduled downtimes, which are costly and disruptive. ABB's approach to field service delivery emphasizes the value of partnerships between technology providers and mining operators, fostering innovation and efficiency in the sector.
