Article

Zambia's Copperbelt Mine has addressed chronic production bottlenecks by upgrading its valve control systems, enhancing automation in the extractive industry. The mine, which processes large volumes of copper ore, faced frequent equipment breakdowns due to its harsh operational environment.

The collaboration with Valmet and Frasmac Limited introduced the Neles™ NDX™ intelligent valve controller, which is designed for high-vibration settings. This system utilizes contactless magnetic position sensing to prevent mechanical failures, ensuring precise chemical dosing for mineral recovery.

The upgrade has led to reduced air consumption and eliminated unplanned downtime, resulting in a quick return on investment. Following the successful installation, the mine ordered 10 more units for system standardization.