By combining the modernisation of its medium-voltage network with ongoing service support, Palabora Mining Company (PMC) has improved electrical reliability with the help of ABB, according to a recent case study.
ABB improved the operation’s network performance, enhanced operational continuity and supported safer operations in one of South Africa’s most demanding mining environments.
It explained: “Deep underground mining places some of the highest demands on electrical infrastructure. PMC, one of South Africa’s leading copper producers and one of the country’s longest-established mining operations, relies on dependable power distribution to sustain production, ensure workforce safety and maintain operational efficiency across its mining activities.”
Operating in a challenging environment characterised by heat, dust, vibration and heavy-duty load cycles, PMC requires electrical systems capable of delivering consistent performance under demanding conditions. To strengthen the resilience of its power distribution network and support long-term performance, the company has progressively modernised operations and upgraded its electrical infrastructure to incorporate ABB’s UniGear ZS1 medium-voltage switchgear across its operations, backed by ongoing service support and technical expertise from ABB, ABB said.
Before modernising its medium-voltage infrastructure, PMC experienced recurring challenges including power interruptions, network disturbances and unplanned downtime.
“Our operations depend on equipment that performs safely, consistently and without compromise,” Diego “TJ” Makgopa, General Engineering Specialist at PMC, said.
To improve network reliability and support long-term operational objectives, PMC looked for a solution with a proven track record in demanding industrial applications. To address these challenges PMC selected ABB’s UniGear ZS1, a medium-voltage air-insulated switchgear, with more than 25 years of operational experience and a large global installed base across industrial and utility applications.
The switchgear is equipped with ABB’s Relion® protection relays, which help monitor and protect critical medium-voltage assets, supporting reliable power distribution and contributing to the overall stability of the electrical network, ABB said.
Since introducing UniGear ZS1, PMC has observed significant improvements in the performance and stability of its electrical distribution system.
According to PMC, the deployment has helped strengthen network reliability, reduce the impact of electrical disturbances and support safer operation of the site’s medium-voltage infrastructure.
“Since we started introducing ABB UniGear ZS1, we have seen a huge improvement in our electrical reticulation systems,” Makgopa said.
The switchgear’s arc-resistant design and internal arc protection capabilities have also contributed to enhancing personnel safety while reducing operational risks.
Beyond reliability, maintainability was a valuable consideration for PMC.
PMC highlighted the reliability of the equipment’s components and the availability of spare parts as important factors supporting long-term operation. “The good part of the UniGear products is that the components are reliable and available on the market whenever we need them after maintenance,” Makgopa said.
The switchgear’s design supports efficient maintenance and helps reduce intervention times, enabling operational teams to keep critical assets available for service. Through ABB’s local service organisation, PMC also has access to technical specialists and support when needed, helping maintenance teams respond quickly and maintain asset performance.
Beyond the technology itself, PMC emphasises the value of ABB’s ongoing support and local presence. Access to specialist service expertise, responsive technical assistance and training helps operational teams maintain and operate their electrical infrastructure with confidence.
“ABB is always available. When we need support on site, they come and assist, and they also provide training for our team,” Makgopa confirmed.
The combination of responsive field service support, local technical expertise and workforce training helps ensure PMC’s electrical assets continue delivering reliable performance throughout their lifecycle, supporting operational continuity and reducing risk, ABB said.
Nikola Stojanovic, Electrification Service Division Manager, ABB South Africa, said: “Successful electrical infrastructure depends on both reliable equipment and the expertise to keep it performing at its best over time. Through ABB’s electrification service team, we work alongside customers throughout the asset lifecycle, helping them improve reliability, optimise maintenance and maximise the long-term performance of their electrical infrastructure. That ongoing partnership is what creates lasting value for operations like Palabora Mining Company.”
The post Palabora Mining Company improves electrical reliability with ABB appeared first on International Mining.