ABB and Gravitricity to collaborate on energy storage systems
First Quarter 2024
News & events
ABB has signed an agreement with UK-based gravity energy storage firm Gravitricity to explore how hoist expertise and technologies can accelerate the development and implementation of gravity energy storage systems in former mines. Gravitricity has developed GraviStore, an innovative gravity energy storage system that raises and lowers heavy weights in underground shafts – to offer some of the best characteristics of lithium-ion batteries and pumped hydro storage. Future GraviStores will store more than 20 MWh, providing long-duration storage and rapid power delivery to network-constrained users and operators, distribution networks and major power users. Unlike batteries, the Gravitricity system can operate for decades without any reduction in performance. Gravitricity has already proven the system with a scale demonstrator and is exploring the potential to deploy its groundbreaking technology in decommissioned mines worldwide.
As a market leader for mine hoists with a large installed base of more than 1000 hoist solutions worldwide, ABB will collaborate by providing research and development, product development and engineering teams specialising in the design, engineering and operations of mine hoists and mechanical, electrical and control technologies for hoisting. Gravitricity will bring specialist expertise in grid compliance and control systems.
The decommissioning of mine shafts is a costly process for mining companies. When disused mine shafts are repurposed for energy storage, they can fill a productive function for up to 50 years beyond their original lifetime and mitigate decommissioning costs, while creating new job opportunities and contributing to the green energy transition.
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New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
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Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
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News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
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Beckhoff Automation
News & events
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
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Investment in training is key for the lubrication industry
News & events
Lubrication management has grown more sophisticated in recent years, yet equipment failure rates linked to lubrication problems remain stubbornly high. The reason for this is that technology can only go so far without the people behind it being properly trained.
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Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
News & events
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
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From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch
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News & events
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important,
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Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News & events
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
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Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News & events
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
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Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
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Toolbox on the Move brings critical components and support right to your door
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
BMG has expanded its service to businesses operating in remote areas in the Eastern Cape with the launch of a new mobile sales and support initiative.
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