• Weighing 75 metric tons, the friction hoist will hold the world’s largest production capacity in the mining industry.
• The hoist is designed with one of the highest safety standards, featuring the fully SIL 3 certified ABB Ability™ Safety Plus for hoists.
• The project will involve the delivery of four hoisting systems, including three complete friction hoists.

BHP, a global leader in mining, has chosen ABB to deliver, install, and commission three friction hoists, alongside an electrical system for a Blair service hoist, at its Jansen Potash Project in Canada. Two of the hoists are currently being installed, while the remaining systems are scheduled for installation and commissioning between 2026 and 2027. With increasing land scarcity and the depletion of soil nutrients, the demand for potash is rising to meet global needs. Potash, a key fertilizer, will be essential for promoting sustainable farming practices and ensuring food security.

This project marks a significant achievement in the mining sector, as one of the production hoists will be the world’s most powerful, capable of transporting loads up to 75 metric tons. Its six ropes will support these heavy loads from depths of 1km underground, with a maximum speed of 18.3m/s, powered by dual 7,700kW motors. As the mining sector adapts to rising demand, this project represents a breakthrough in boosting productivity.

ABB hoist in place on site, where three new friction hoists are being installed and commissioned. Image BHP Jansen

Both the service and production shafts have been prepared for the hoisting systems. ABB provided two hoists for the service shaft, along with the cage. Simultaneously, ABB supplied the hydraulic braking system, electrical controls, and powertrain for a temporary Blair cage hoist. This temporary hoist will operate in the production shaft for two years while the higher-capacity production hoist is being prepared. The latter will be installed and is expected to start production by 2027.

Each hoist is equipped with ABB Ability™ Safety Plus for hoists, the world’s first fully SIL 3 certified safety solution. Safety remains a top priority in the sector, with 48% of mining companies identifying safety as a key factor in transforming their operations, according to ABB’s recent “Mining’s Moment” report. ABB’s hoisting systems set the industry standard, offering the highest levels of safety for mine workers.

“The hoists and systems are essential for the safe and efficient extraction of potash, providing Jansen with a competitive advantage,” said Simon Thomas, Vice President Projects Potash at BHP. “This new agreement further strengthens our long-standing partnership with ABB, and we look forward to collaborating on increasing productivity, safety, and sustainability.”

“Our goal is to help customers enhance productivity and safety with our solutions,” said Björn Jonsson, Global Business Line Manager for Hoisting at ABB Process Industries. “We’re proud to continue our work with BHP to improve efficiency and productivity at the Jansen mine while further enhancing the safety of both people and operations. ABB’s mine hoists are among the safest worldwide, meeting the highest safety regulations, and we’re excited to combine this with improved load capacity to address industry demand for solutions that maximize productivity.”

This contract follows ABB’s earlier collaboration with BHP on integrating power management systems for the Jansen Potash Project. The goal is for the Jansen mine to become the largest potash-producing mine globally. The initial production capacity of Stage 1 is expected to reach 4.5 million tons per year (Mtpa), with further expansion expected to increase this by 16 to 17 Mtpa.

ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, driving a more sustainable and resource-efficient future. Combining engineering and digitalization expertise, ABB helps industries operate at peak performance, becoming more efficient, productive, and sustainable. At ABB, we call this ‘Engineered to Outrun.’ With over 140 years of history and a workforce of more than 105,000 employees worldwide, ABB’s shares are listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).

ABB’s Process Automation business focuses on automating, electrifying, and digitalizing industrial operations across essential sectors— from energy and water supply to materials production and transportation. With about 20,000 employees, leading technology, and service expertise, ABB Process Automation helps process, hybrid, and maritime industries excel in a leaner and cleaner way.

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