ABB has secured a contract to supply gearless mill drive (GMD) and ring-geared mill drive (RMD) systems for the Eva Copper Mine Project in Queensland, Australia, developed by Harmony.<\/p>\n
Aiming to address a projected 24% rise in global copper demand by 2035, the new open-pit mine is forecast to produce around 60,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of copper for at least 15 years.<\/p>\n
The technology provided by ABB is set to enhance grinding efficiency, reliability and operational flexibility, aligning with modern concentrator designs and low-risk processing methods.<\/p>\n
The contract was finalised in the fourth quarter of 2025, with financial terms remaining confidential.<\/p>\n
It underscores the growing demand for critical minerals and the resurgence of large-scale mining projects in Australia, driven by the energy transition.<\/p>\n
Additionally, the contract expands ABB\u2019s global deployment of GMDs and RMDs, supporting the supply of essential industrial materials.<\/p>\n
ABB is providing a 24MW GMD system for a 40ft semi-autogenous grinding mill and an 18MW variable-speed dual-pinion RMD system for a 27ft ball mill.<\/p>\n
These systems are crucial as they will be the primary power consumers on-site, making efficiency a key consideration in technology selection for Eva Copper.<\/p>\n
The project will also incorporate an eHouse, designed and manufactured locally in Australia to comply with local standards and safety protocols.<\/p>\n
Local production will streamline engineering, reduce logistical challenges and facilitate easier on-site integration.<\/p>\n
The engineering effort will involve ABB’s teams from Australia, Finland and Switzerland.<\/p>\n
Upon installation, the GMD and RMD systems are expected to ensure high availability and processing of copper ore throughout the mine’s operational life.<\/p>\n
ABB Process Industries division, Mining & Materials global business line manager Bj\u00f6rn Jonsson said: \u201cABB will bring together local manufacturing capabilities, global expertise and proven technologies to support Queensland\u2019s most significant new mining project.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur mill drive systems will support reliable, efficient grinding at the heart of the Eva Copper Mine Project, which will play a pivotal role in strengthening the copper supply chain to support the global energy transition.\u201d<\/p>\n