ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, announced that it has signed a contract worth $62 million with Vale International Switzerland for the Oman Industrial Complex project. The end user of the project will be Vale Middle East, Oman.
The contract, which came into force mid January 2009, comprises the delivery of the complete electrical equipment for Vale Oman’s new material handling and iron ore pellet plant. This includes the Extended Automation System 800xA, a collaborative production management system, power distribution, transformers, Motor Control Centres, drives and motors, as well as substation infrastructure.
The new Vale plant, 230km northwest of Muscat, is expected to produce up to ten million tonnes of iron ore pellets per year. Scheduled to start operations at the end of 2010, the facility will provide the Middle East region with iron ore and pellets for the steel industry.
Over the years, ABB has delivered numerous automation solutions, services and related support to Vale’s mining operations all over the world, but it is the first time the company places a complete plant order for ABB. ABB convinced with a very efficient solution at fair costs and its integrated equipment, providing excellent availability.
Ivan Montenegro de Menezes, general manager at Vale Oman, said: “ABB provided an excellent service and kindness. Congratulations for the extremely competent and professional negotiations.”