Mining giant Rio Tinto has awarded contracts collectively worth around $100 million to global power and automation technology group ABB, to construct 17 power distribution substations to support Rio’s iron ore expansion in the Pilbara.
ABB Australia will supply electrical switchrooms, switchgear, cables, power transformers and ring main units, alongside a range of communication and protection components that will enable remote monitoring of power assets from Rio’s remote operations centre in Perth.
The projects are scheduled for completion by 2013.
“Our proven substation capabilities and leading-edge technologies will help Rio Tinto meet the need for increased electricity and support efficiency at their expanding operations,” ABB Australia manager Axel Kuhr said.
“These solutions will help reinforce the reliability of the grid and ensure the supply of high-quality power.”
Rio is investing $US18 billion over the next five years expanding its iron ore mining operations in the Pilbara by around 50 per cent, to 353 million tonnes per annum by 2015.
