ABB's digital and automation technologies are evolving to meet the growing demands of India's mining sector.

Kapil Agarwal
Senior Vice President and Local Division Manager, Process Industries, ABB India

How are ABB's digital and automation technologies evolving to support the growing mining activities in India?

The Indian mining sector plays a vital role in the country’s economy, contributing approximately 2.5% to the GDP and supporting millions through direct and indirect employment. Minerals like coal, iron ore, bauxite, copper, and limestone are critical for key industries such as steel, cement, and energy, driving industrial growth and development. ABB offers a comprehensive mining portfolio that supports underground mining, open-cast mining, as well as mineral processing and material handling. Mines and processing plants require integrated process control systems to enhance efficiency and productivity across the entire operation. As a leading global provider of software solutions for mining and mineral processing, ABB is at the forefront of technological advancements throughout the mining lifecycle, delivering significant business value. ABB’s customized automation solutions leverage real-time data to enable continuous monitoring and process analysis, ensuring enhanced asset availability.  

ABB’s plant-wide automation strategy focuses on identifying optimal operational conditions to maximize product quality and productivity, all while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. The company also provides a range of electrification and automation solutions, including substations, power distribution, modular electrical houses, ventilation-on-demand systems, electrical systems for mining trucks, and instrumentation. Additionally, ABB delivers comprehensive mine hoist systems, encompassing mechanical components, hydraulic disc brake systems, electrical systems, and advanced drive and control systems.

Which are the smart technologies trending in mining equipment?

Smart technologies in mining equipment are increasingly focused on automation, digitalization, and sustainability, with key trends including digital twins, autonomous operations, and remote monitoring. Digital twins are gaining traction, enabling operators to simulate and optimize the entire mining process from extraction to market. By using real-time data, AI, and simulations, digital twins help optimize performance, monitor asset inventories, and improve decision-making across the value chain. The shift toward fully autonomous operations is also transforming the sector, with mining companies adopting automation to enable real-time supervision, planning, and reporting.

Another significant trend is the increasing focus on connected and energy-efficient equipment. As mining ventures move deeper underground and face higher costs, the need for reliable, energy-efficient, and connected machinery has become essential. Remote operation, a key feature of the digital mine, has been further accelerated by the pandemic, allowing companies to continue safe, efficient operations while reducing on-site personnel. These smart technologies are integral to achieving sustainable, profitable mining operations in the face of rising environmental and economic challenges.

In what ways do ABB's technologies contribute to sustainable mining operations?

ABB's digital and automation technologies are evolving to meet the growing demands of India's mining sector by offering integrated solutions that boost efficiency and sustainability across the mining lifecycle. With a strong portfolio that covers underground and open-cast mining, mineral processing, and material handling, ABB leverages real-time data to optimize plant-wide operations. Its solutions, such as tailored automation systems, asset monitoring, and process control, help mining companies increase productivity while minimizing energy consumption and environmental impact. Additionally, ABB's expertise in mine electrification and automation, including power distribution, modular electrical systems, and ventilation solutions, ensures that mining operations are both technologically advanced and sustainable.

As India pushes for more self-reliance in mining, ABB plays a key role in this transformation. With over 130 years of experience, ABB's Enterprise Digital Transformation approach helps miners clarify their digital strategy, enabling them to achieve strategic goals faster and more efficiently. The company’s eMine™ framework is pivotal in supporting the transition towards zero-carbon mining, integrating electrification, automation, and digital technologies to improve energy management, reduce emissions, and comply with evolving environmental standards. By collaborating with mining companies at early stages, ABB helps deconstruct large-scale visions into actionable steps, ensuring the industry is well-equipped for the future of sustainable mining.

What kind of technologies will drive the demand for smart mining in future?

The future of smart mining will be driven by a range of advanced technologies and equipment designed to enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability. Automation and robotics, including autonomous vehicles and drones, are revolutionizing mining operations by reducing human exposure to hazardous environments and streamlining logistics. Autonomous haulage systems are particularly significant, allowing materials to be transported without human intervention, which improves operational efficiency and reduces delays. 

IoT integration is also playing a critical role, with connected devices enabling real-time monitoring of equipment, environmental conditions, and safety measures. Sensors embedded in machinery provide live data to centralized systems, allowing for swift responses to potential issues and improved visibility into operations. Moreover, the growth of remote mining operations ensures that companies can manage activities from anywhere in the world, improving efficiency while reducing the need for workers to be present in dangerous environments. Despite these advancements, challenges like high initial costs, a skills gap in tech-savvy personnel, and data security concerns will need to be addressed to fully capitalize on the potential of smart mining.

How do you visualise the mining equipment industry growth in the coming years?

The mining equipment industry is poised for rapid growth, driven by technological advancements and increasing demand for minerals across sectors. Automation, remote sensing, and advanced machinery are playing a key role in transforming mineral extraction processes, improving operational efficiency, and minimizing environmental impact. The adoption of digital technologies is streamlining operations, boosting productivity, and supporting efforts to reduce the industry's carbon footprint. In India, the mining sector’s growth is further supported by favourable policies, such as the National Mineral Policy, which promotes investment and innovation. By embracing technological advancements and focusing on responsible mining, the industry can contribute significantly to India's economic development while meeting the rising demand for minerals.

At ABB, we have specific future plans for the mining industry in line with our extensive mining portfolio, which includes strategic initiatives focused on decarbonization and sustainability. Our portfolio, anchored by our eMine™ framework and 130 years of industry expertise, integrates automation, electrification, and digital solutions to help miners meet their sustainability goals and help improve the quality of the working environment. Through ABB’s Enterprise Digital Transformation approach, we guide customers in defining their digital strategies, achieving strategic targets faster, and prioritizing the right projects with the best return on investment. Early collaboration between mining companies and technology providers will continue to be essential in the coming years. We envision an autonomous mine of the future that drives sustainable progress for the mining industry and the world beyond.