ABB is on the forefront of technologies across the mining life cycle.

Bhawneet Singh Rai, Segment Manager, Mining, ABB India

How is Indian mining sector evolving in the current market scenario?

The mining sector contributes significantly to India's GDP and provides employment opportunities. It is a crucial source of raw materials for various industries, including manufacturing and infrastructure development. The Indian Government had been working on policy reforms to attract investment and promote sustainable mining practices. Initiatives such as the National Mineral Policy (NMP) aimed to bring transparency and clarity to the sector. The mining sector has gradually been adopting digital technologies such as Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and data analytics to improve exploration, resource estimation, and operational efficiency. There's a growing emphasis on sustainable mining practices, including environmental impact assessments, reclamation of mined areas, and responsible mining. The government is encouraging mining companies to adopt these practices, which is good news.

How is the role of technology in mining changing with the changing needs?

Mining is undergoing radical transformation, primarily driven by two disruptive trends: Industry 4.0 and Sustainability. In the context of Industry 4.0, digital twins are being increasingly adopted for handling the whole value chain from mines to ports or markets. ABB with the use of automation and digital technologies can ensure the fully autonomous operations, by enabling the real time supervision, planning and reporting. With regards to sustainability, it is essential to focus on how to reduce emissions and the use of fossil fuels in order to mitigate global warming and comply with new environmental requirements. ABB has portfolio of solutions such as the ABB Ability ™ eMine, which helps to move towards a zero-carbon mine. Currently, the mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation, and the eMine™ concept serves as the unifying factor in this evolution. We collaborate closely with numerous partners and engage with customers at an early stage to analyze mine design and determine the necessary steps for a successful outcome. This approach allows us to deconstruct the overarching vision into practical, manageable projects. Essentially, this encapsulates the purpose and essence of the eMine™ initiative.

How is ABB adding value to the technology adoption in mining? What are the key solutions offered?

ABB has a very diversified mining portfolio that caters to underground mining, open cast mining and for mineral processing and material handling. Mines and processing plants need integrated process control systems that can improve plantwide efficiency and productivity. As one of the leading providers of software to mining and mineral processing worldwide, ABB is on the forefront of technologies across the mining life cycle that can help drive significant business value. ABB provides tailored automation solutions that use real-time data - enabling constant monitoring and analysis of your process combined with improved asset availability.

ABB's plant wide automation strategy searches for the optimal operation point while maximizing product quality and productivity, at the lowest energy consumption and least environmental impact. ABB supplies mine electrification and automation solutions, such as substations, power distribution, modular electrical houses, ventilation on demand, electrical systems for mine trucks and instrumentation and complete mine hoist systems, such as mechanical systems, hydraulic disc brake systems, electrical systems as well as state-of-the-art drive and control systems.

What is your outlook on the mining sector and how is ABB going to play a key role in the further enhancement of mining in India?

The Indian Government is planning to implement new technologies and construct digital infrastructure to bolster current and future mining operations. This strategic move will effectively decrease the country's reliance on imports. Additionally, the continuous advancements in technology within the mining industry are significantly enhancing operational productivity. We, in ABB, believe that automation and digital solutions will work alongside electrification to monitor energy usage and help miners reach their sustainability targets, and improve the quality of the working environment. Early engagement between mining company and technology provider will continue to be key. Our advanced portfolio of electrification, automation, and digital technologies with over 130 years of experience in the mining industry keeps us at the forefront of transformation journey with our holistic framework eMine™. ABB's Enterprise Digital Transformation approach for the mining industry helps customers to clarify their digital strategy, achieve strategic targets faster, and focus on the right projects with the best return on investment. We believe in the autonomous mine of the future that creates sustainable progress for the mining industry, as well as the world beyond it.