WEG motors for mining industry

With a production capacity of about 22 million tons per year, Samarco, which has customers in more than 15 countries, is regarded as the world’s second largest exporter of iron ore ingots. Inaugurated in 1977, this mining plant processes low content minerals into sophisticated high added value products, which are used by steel mills all over the world.

Fully integrated from the mine to the port, the production process of the mining plant ensures high efficiency, low cost and safe operation. To guarantee and maintain the high level of the process, Samarco counts on five WEG motors since 2008 when the company implemented the Terceira Pelotização project. As a result of the Quarta Pelotização and Electrostatic Precipitator projects, in 2012, other 20 electric motors will be supplied to different Samarco plants.

Included in the package, WEG will supply wound rotor motors to drive ball mills, and large squirrel cage motors, which will be driven on fans/exhaust fans of pelletizing ovens.

As far as squirrel cage motors are concerned, WEG provided Samarco with a unique solution combining six different applications with a single motor. What is usual in this type of operation is to keep in stock one motor for each application. This WEG innovative solution has allowed reduction of spare motors into one piece as well as great flexibility in motor application.

In reference to the application of slip ring motors fitted with a motorized brush lifting system, these motors will ensure Samarco greater operational efficiency, reduced shutdowns and low maintenance.

Products supplied:

· Supply for P3P – to drive primary and secondary ball mills:

5 x MAW 710 motors, 6400 KW, 4160V, 6 poles

(supplied in 2008)

· Supply for P4P - to drive primary and secondary ball mills:

9 x MAW 710 motors, 4200 KW, 13200V, 6 poles (to be manufactured end of 2012)

· Supply for Electrostatic Precipitator Project - to drive fans:

3 x MGL 900 motors, 6200 kW, 6600V, 12 poles (to be manufactured end of 2011/beginning of 2012)

· Supply for P4P – Pelletizing Oven - to drive fans:

4 x MGL 900 motors, 6200 kW, 6600V, 12 poles (to be manufactured in August 2012)

1 x MGL 900 Motor, 9900 kW, 6600V, 12 poles (to be manufactured in August 2012)

1 x MGL 710 Motor, 3350 kW, 6600V, 10 poles (to be manufactured in August 2012)

1 x MGF 560 Motor, 1350 kW, 4000V, 12 poles (to be manufactured in August 2012)

1 x MGF 500 Motor, 920 kW, 4000V