ABB Expands Industrial Automation and Electrification at Boliden’s Aitik Copper Mine

Growing Copper Demand Drives Automation Investments

Global copper demand continues to rise, with the International Energy Agency forecasting a 22% increase by 2035. Therefore, mining companies must adopt advanced industrial automation and control systems to meet this demand responsibly. Boliden’s Aitik mine in northern Sweden exemplifies this trend by investing in electrification and automation to ensure sustainable growth.

Strengthening Tailings Management with Control Systems

Boliden prioritized safe tailings management aligned with the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management (GISTM). ABB delivered distributed control systems (DCS) and monitoring solutions that enhance water recycling, dam stability, and environmental safety. As a result, the mine can expand capacity while maintaining zero‑harm standards.

Deploying Modular Electrification Solutions

ABB supplied modular electrical houses, medium‑ and low‑voltage switchgear, and transformers. Moreover, variable speed drives support pumping stations, ensuring efficient water handling. These modular solutions reduce installation time and improve reliability, which is critical in sub‑arctic mining conditions.

Centralized Visibility Through ABB Ability™ System 800xA

The ABB Ability™ System 800xA® DCS provides centralized visibility of energy use and predictive maintenance insights. Operators gain real‑time diagnostics, enabling proactive decisions that improve uptime and reduce operational risks. In addition, integration with PLCs and factory automation systems ensures seamless control across the mine’s infrastructure.

Industry Perspectives on Automation and Sustainability

Björn Jonsson of ABB emphasized that modular electrification supports rising European copper demand without compromising safety. His statement highlights a broader industry trend: automation technologies now balance productivity with environmental stewardship. From my perspective, this project demonstrates how industrial automation is evolving into a sustainability enabler, not just a productivity tool.

Project Delivery and Operational Resilience

Boliden’s project office confirmed that the upgrade was completed on schedule and within budget. This outcome illustrates how well‑planned automation projects can deliver both economic and operational resilience. Therefore, mining companies should consider modular electrification and advanced DCS platforms as strategic investments.

ABB’s Role in Global Industrial Automation

ABB, with more than 140 years of expertise and 110,000 employees worldwide, continues to lead in factory automation, electrification, and digitalization. Its Automation division, with 26,000 specialists, supports industries ranging from energy to maritime. This scale and experience reinforce ABB’s authority in delivering reliable automation solutions.

Application Scenarios and Solutions

In mining, ABB’s modular electrification and control systems can be applied to:

• Tailings dam monitoring and water recycling.

• Pumping station automation with variable speed drives.

• Centralized energy management using DCS platforms.

• Predictive maintenance for critical electrical assets.

These solutions demonstrate how industrial automation enhances both productivity and sustainability in resource‑intensive industries.