ABB's reliable electrical equipment supports Collahuasi open-pit mine, tackling challenges such as extreme climate and low oxygen environment.
This article describes how ABB’s Industrial IT Extended Automation System 800xA and ACS 6000 medium‑voltage frequency converters were deployed at the Collahuasi open‑pit copper mine in the Andes. The harsh environment—altitudes of 4,200‑4,700 m, temperatures from –20 °C to +25 °C, high dust, vibration and extreme weather—required a rugged, redundant control solution.
Key features highlighted include a redundant network of AC 800M controllers, fiber‑optic communication, water‑cooled ACS 6000 converters with IP 54 protection, and extensive operator workstations. The system integrates legacy Advant controllers and supports multilingual user interfaces.
| Altitude range | 4,200 to 4,700 meters above sea level |
|---|---|
| Temperature range | -20 °C to +25 °C |
| Converter model | ACS 6000 MD |
ABB’s Industrial IT Extended Automation System 800xA controls and supervises the mine’s processes.
Medium‑voltage, water‑cooled ACS 6000 converters are used for the crusher and belt conveyors.