Inputs from across the mining industry have contributed to ABB’s World Class Maintenance Standard for hoists. Image Adobe Stock

ABB’s latest benchmarking report sheds light on the potential for mining companies to significantly boost annual production through improved hoist maintenance strategies. This first-of-its-kind study, conducted in partnership with global mining clients, reveals that a well-defined predictive maintenance approach could extend production uptime by over a month annually.

The comprehensive report incorporates data from mining operations across six regions and eight industry sectors, including diamond, gold, copper, and potash. By examining every crucial component of hoist systems, ABB has highlighted that companies employing reactive maintenance practices could increase their operational availability by approximately 15% by adopting more proactive maintenance strategies.

As the mining industry faces the challenge of depleting ore grades and increasing demand, there is a shift towards deeper mining operations. Mine hoists, essential for efficiently transporting heavy ore from great depths, must maintain peak reliability and productivity. ABB’s study underscores the need for standardized, optimized maintenance practices to ensure continuous operation.

Every key aspect of the hoist system has been assessed as part of the reporting by ABB. Image ABB

The report emphasizes the advantages of predictive maintenance. It found that organizations with the greatest availability losses typically dedicated only 25% of their maintenance strategy to proactive measures compared to 75% for reactive approaches. While periodic maintenance is common, continuous monitoring and predictive assessment lag significantly, with only 16% of respondents employing continuous predictive monitoring for their mechanical systems.

In response, ABB has developed the ‘World Class Maintenance Standard’ for mine hoists. This Standard is designed to provide mining companies with a foundational guideline for optimizing hoist longevity. It recommends focusing 90% of maintenance efforts on predictive strategies to achieve optimal availability.

John Manuell, Global Service Manager for Hoisting at ABB Process Industries, commented, “Hoists are critical and costly assets in mining operations. Effective maintenance is essential to ensure their optimal performance. Our World Class Maintenance Standard offers a benchmark for designing the most effective maintenance programs, helping to extend the lifespan of these vital systems. We are also working on a framework to simplify maintenance services, which will be available to customers later this year.”

ABB’s Process Automation division enhances industrial operations through automation, electrification, and digitalization. With around 20,000 employees, ABB Process Automation supports various industries in improving operational performance and safety, contributing to a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.

As a leader in electrification and automation, ABB integrates engineering expertise with advanced software to optimize manufacturing, movement, power, and operations. Building on over 140 years of excellence, ABB’s more than 105,000 employees are dedicated to driving innovations that accelerate industrial transformation.

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