ABB Introduces Grinding Connect to Advance Digital Transformation of Gearless Mill Drives

ABB has launched Grinding Connect, a new digital service suite designed to help mining companies operating gearless mill drive (GMD) systems improve asset visibility, minimise unplanned downtime and optimise maintenance planning. Available worldwide, the platform arrives as mining operators face increasing pressure to maintain production throughput while ensuring operational reliability.

Developed specifically for ABB GMD installations, Grinding Connect consolidates remote support, maintenance management and performance monitoring within a single cloud-based environment. Drawing on ABB’s experience from more than 160 GMD projects globally, the suite combines secure cloud analytics with integrated service workflows, enabling users to monitor system health, access maintenance records, submit service requests and collaborate directly with ABB experts through one platform.

The launch comes at a critical time for the mining industry. According to the International Energy Agency, demand for critical minerals is expected to triple by 2030, placing greater emphasis on stable and efficient production. Grinding circuits play a vital role in plant performance, and ABB research estimates that unplanned downtime can cost mining operations as much as US$500,000 per hour.

Grinding Connect integrates several of ABB’s existing digital solutions, including Asset Health and Condition Monitoring analytics, Trendex diagnostics and troubleshooting tools, and GMD Copilot, the company’s AI-powered virtual support assistant. Through the platform, operators gain access to prescriptive maintenance recommendations supported by more than 180 trend signals, as well as alarms, event tracking, transient recording integration and signal correlation capabilities.

The suite also incorporates advanced anomaly detection, frozen-signal monitoring and intelligent notifications, complemented by expert recommendations from ABB specialists. By enabling remote diagnostics and collaboration, Grinding Connect helps reduce the need for reactive on-site interventions and allows maintenance teams to prioritise actions more effectively.

“Mining operators are looking for practical ways to improve availability, reduce response times and make better-informed decisions for the maintenance of production-critical assets,” said Mikel Torre, Global Business Unit Manager Grinding, ABB’s Process Industries division. “Grinding Connect brings ABB’s service and GMD system knowledge into one digital environment, meaning users can work with a complete view of asset condition, service history and expert support. Only with this level of visibility will operators make progress towards the industry transition to increasingly autonomous, more efficient mining operations.”

Grinding Connect has been developed in accordance with ABB cybersecurity standards and IEC 62443-aligned product development practices, including penetration testing during the verification process. The platform is now available globally for mining companies operating ABB gearless mill drive systems.

Source: abb.com