Posted by Paul Moore on 10th February 2022
ioneer Ltd, the emerging lithium–boron supplier, has awarded a major engineering and equipment supply contract to ABB Inc for the development of its Rhyolite Ridge Lithium–Boron Project in Nevada, USA. The contract has been awarded on a limited notice to proceed (LNTP) basis, with the supply of the equipment packages being conditional on a final investment decision (FID) on the project by ioneer’s Board of Directors. Under the contract, the ABB team will commence
work on systems engineering and optimisation for the equipment packages, which include a steam turbine generator, medium and low voltage electrical distribution, power management and plant–wide process automation and instrumentation systems for the generation, acid and lithium processing plants.
ABB is a leading global technology company with 130 years track record in mining applications. ioneer says ABB “draws on its comprehensive ABB Ability™ MineOptimize approach and portfolio of optimised engineering, products and systems, electrification and automation solutions, digital applications and remote services. ABB Ability™ MineOptimize integrates individual mining solutions into a connected and structured plant–wide system to optimise all stages in the lifecycle – from design and build to operation and service – of any open–pit or underground mine and minerals processing plant. This approach helps mining companies to optimise CAPEX and maximise productivity, sustainability and safety.” ioneer and ABB are both founding members of the Zero Emissions Transportation Association (ZETA) which is an industry coalition advocating for policies to encourage adoption of Electric Vehicles in the USA.
ioneer Managing Director, Bernard Rowe said: “The contract with ABB is another significant supply package award at Rhyolite Ridge and represents yet another step in the development of the Project. Like other suppliers we’ve partnered with, ABB is focused on providing environmentally sound engineering and technology solutions. This aligns with ioneer’s ambition to not only produce materials necessary to develop electric vehicle and renewable energy supply chain infrastructure in North America, but to do so in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner through lowered emissions, significantly reduced water usage and a small surface footprint.”
ABB’s Division President Process Industries, Joachim Braun, said: “The Rhyolite Ridge Lithium–Boron Project represents an opportunity for the US and the world to ensure the supply of the minerals needed to successfully transition to sustainable transport and we’re proud to be part of it,” said Joachim Braun, President of ABB’s Process Industries Division. “We look forward to working with ioneer on the engineering, equipment and project management as it progresses development. This contract provides clear recognition of our experience, know–how, and world–class technologies supported by our ABB Ability™ MineOptimize. It is also important to note that our localised approach and strength in service and aftermarket were important factors for ioneer when it came to choosing a partner.“