Global technology group ABB is working with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to accelerate the adoption of new and sustainable technologies in mining. The two companies are now creating solutions for digitally integrated all-electric operations to help meet industry goals on net-zero emissions.

In a first demonstration, the ABB Ability Operations Management System (OMS) has been integrated with heavy-duty electric vehicle (EV) drivetrain developer MEDATech’s cloud data collection system on AWS.

Telemetry data, including battery state and speed of charge, was transmitted in real-time from MEDATech’s first-ever 100% electric haul truck – paired with ABB’s fast-charging pilot solution, ABB Ability eMine FastCharge – while ensuring data security using AWS’s Internet of Things services.

The team used the gathered data to perform a real-time production optimisation for test purposes.

Such seamless digital integration of electrical equipment across industrial operations is increasingly important for operational efficiencies through optimised scheduling and planning, says ABB.

It notes that battery electric vehicles and their related charging infrastructure present a challenge and an opportunity as the industry commits to decarbonisation and reduced resources and energy consumption.

ABB and AWS are also proving scalability. AWS enables OMS to ingest, store, process and analyse operational data from stationary and mobile equipment and dynamically scale to meet the operational demands.

The new ABB Ability eMine approach relies on the reliable and standardised exchange of equipment and process data to effectively integrate electrical and digital systems from mine to port. ABB is simplifying the integration for its mining customers via a collaborative and interoperable approach, leveraging AWS, which removes management and investment responsibilities normally associated with on-premises infrastructure from the customer.

“In the course of the digital transformation and decarbonisation in the industrial sector, customers are looking for end-to-end integrated solutions to optimise their operations,” says AWS Global ISV Alliances director Flemming Kongsberg.

“Together, ABB, MEDATech and AWS have demonstrated a fully integrated solution for mining operators to combine data from electric vehicles and operations to maximize their efficiency and contribute to their sustainability goals. Through this collaboration, we are excited to help deliver this solution to our customers worldwide, providing flexibility, scalability and security in the cloud,” he adds.

“We know what data original-equipment manufacturers and mine operators need to ensure a successful transition to electrification. The agnostic vehicle-level telematics systems that we have developed work with AWS and ABB’s solutions to provide mine operators with the real-time vehicle data they need to make important decisions.

"Mine operators have full control over the information, including analytics modelling for increased productivity, more machine uptime through predictive maintenance and better power use. We have worked with ABB over five years on mine electrification processes and solutions, including high-powered charging and EV mine simulations. AWS represents the last piece of this puzzle as we move forward as partners to help decarbonise operations,” adds MEDATech sales and marketing director Darren Mueller.

ABB Process Industries global head of mining Max Luedtke adds that a successful digital, automation and electrical transformation journey relies on partnerships.

“We can work together to achieve practical results that support mining operators to meet industry and sustainability commitments. It is essential to access and analyse electrical equipment data via an open, standardised platform safely and reliably. With electric charging becoming part of the process this will allow more accurate planning and scheduling to meet or even exceed productivity targets," he says.