Massive motors installed by Marthinusen & Coutts at Cobre Panama

March 2018 News

Marthinusen & Coutts recently executed the sub-assembly of six gearless mill drives for Minera Panama’s remotely situated Cobre Panama project in record time, and as a result was able to hand the machine over to the mechanical teams for assembly well ahead of schedule.

Minera Panama, the Panamanian subsidiary of First Quantum Minerals, is currently developing the Cobre Panama project in the country’s Colon province. The mine life has been estimated at more than 30 years and will produce around 300 000 tons per year copper, 100 000 ounces per year of gold and 2 500 tons per year of molybdenum.

Of the six ABB gearless drives being installed, four will power ball mills and the other two will drive SAG mills. Importantly, these massive machines are among the largest ever installed in the world and were transported in quartered sections to site for assembly.

Commenting on the role that Marthinusen & Coutts played in this project, divisional CEO Richard Botton said that a team of six highly competent and skilled technicians was responsible for the completion of the project within extremely tight time schedules. “The depth of experience and technical competence within our team proved vital to the successful completion of the work, especially given the various challenges encountered on a daily basis,” he added. “The average execution per machine took just 28 days.”

Another major challenge that the team had to contend with was adverse weather conditions at the location. This region receives between five and seven metres of rain per year, with ambient temperatures often exceeding 35°C and humidity levels above 80% on a daily basis.

Botton says that working closely with the ABB on this project, was also vital to its success. He pointed out that it is not unusual for Marthinusen & Coutts to partner with OEMs on projects such as this.

For more information contact Richard Botton, Marthinusen & Coutts, +27 (0)11 607 1700, [email protected], www.mandc.co.za

Further reading:

Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.

Read more...

---

SA company uses AI to break the language barrier
News
Helm has a unique approach to AI that allows it to automate customer communication in any of South Africa’s 11 official spoken languages.

Read more...

---

From ground to compound: the journey of crude oil
Wearcheck News
You’re in for a ‘crude awakening’ when you download WearCheck’s latest Technical Bulletin. You will be treated to an in-depth explanation of the processes of producing oil, fuel and other petrochemical wonders that power our modern lifestyle.

Read more...

---

2025 – a year for growth, amid industry challenges
News
Automation is rapidly emerging as a catalyst for industrial transformation, enabling businesses to meet sustainability targets, enhance productivity and drive economic efficiency.

Read more...

---

From the editor's desk: Something completely different
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control) News
The Africa Automation Technology Fair is around the corner, and RX Global is ramping up its efforts to make the 2025 exhibition one to remember. More information can be found in their advertisement ...

Read more...

---

KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition helps drive economic growth
News
The upcoming Africa Automation Technology Fair will bring together industry leaders, policymakers and innovators to chart Africa’s automation future.

Read more...

---

Inside the expanded plant at Fuchs Lubricants
News
Fuchs Lubricants South Africa recently introduced customers to its new expanded Isando facility. Manufacturing executive, Thami Mzolo says that it is the most efficient plant built and upgrade he has ever been involved with.

Read more...

---

Justice Malala to talk at exclusive breakfast
News
South Africa’s economic recovery and industrial growth depend on policy reform and business innovation. Few commentators are better placed to explore these challenges than Justice Malala.

Read more...

---

Beyond the exhibition: AATF 2025 Conference lineup brings exclusive
News
While the Africa Automation Technology Fair (AATF) 2025 exhibition floor will showcase cutting-edge automation solutions, the real game-changing insights will be found within the conference halls.

Read more...

---

How to claim CPD points
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council News
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.

Read more...

---