ABB, MEDATech sync electrification goals

Swedish-Swiss multinational technology company ABB Ltd. has signed an agreement with MEDATech Engineering Services Ltd., designer of custom mobile heavy equipment, to explore technologies for net-zero emissions of heavy industrial machinery in mining.

The collaboration with MEDATech, which largely works across the mining, construction, and energy sectors, is the latest in a series that ABB is developing with original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and technology innovators to accelerate the transition to all-electric mines.

Looking to fill the needs of mining customers that require heavy industries-specific solutions to enable the electrification of their fleets and facilitate the transition to net-zero emission transport, ABB recently launched ABB Ability eMine, an integrated portfolio of electrification and digital systems designed to accelerate the decarbonization of the mining sector.

"Within the ABB Ability eMine framework, ABB is increasingly working with OEMs and technology innovators to fast-track the development of new emissions-reducing systems through the electrification and automation of the whole mining operation," said Mehrzad Ashnagaran, global product line manager at ABB.

To expand upon the electrification solutions available for mining companies, ABB is working alongside MEDATech, a Canada-based company that provides highly efficient drive train technology to OEMs and end-users while consulting and developing optimization tools to realize the cost-effective implementation of electric fleets.

Ontario-based MEDATech has built extensive know-how and expertise in designing, building, and testing prototype systems and vehicles since its founding in 2003.

"Strategic collaborations, such as with MEDATech, provide solutions that support responsible mining operations. The aim of our combined solutions is to enhance the efficiency and flexibility of customer businesses, contribute to the reduction of CO2 and the realization of a sustainable society," said Ashnagaran.

MEDATech recently launched the world's first commercially available 100% electric mining haul truck, a conversion of the Western Star 4900XD that comes with ultra-fast charging capabilities and accepts a charge power of up to 600 kilowatts.

A key aspect of a future with electric vehicles, fast charging is a critical part of battery-electric technology viability, especially for mining and other industrial fleets that operate around the clock. Now, with ABBs charging capability matching the charging cycles to the production, charging times of less than 15 minutes can be achieved.

"We are very excited to be working with ABB in this new and dynamic field of electric vehicles and will bring our advanced drive train technology to the forefront alongside ABB's advanced charging technology," said MEDATech Engineering Services founder and President Rob Rennie. "Collaborating to accelerate the adoption to emission-free transport systems enabling cleaner operations is truly at the heart of our company."

ABB is presenting its ABB Ability eMine system and the ground-breaking ABB Ability eMine FastCharge pilot to the 2021 MINExpo being held this week in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With over 130 years of industrial knowledge and experience, ABB will be a force to reckon with in the ongoing transition to net-zero and the electrification of one of humanity's oldest professions, mining.

"The mining sector has set clear and ambitious targets to decarbonize operations for a more sustainable future," said ABB Global Product Manager Nic Beutler. "To meet or even exceed productivity targets while not compromising on safety, new thinking and technology solutions are required. ABB and MEDATech are an ideal match for exploring the steps needed to reach net-zero emissions for heavy-duty industrial machinery."