HomeSuccess StoriesDrive Isolation Transformers – Glencore & BMA

Drive Isolation Transformers – Glencore & BMA

Powering Dragline Excavators with Heavy-Duty Drive Isolation Transformers

Engineered for extreme environments—SES transformers keep Australian mining moving.

Precision-engineered for high harmonic DC drive loads (K9 rated)

Proven performance in dragline excavator systems for BMA and Glencore

100% Australian made—designed for reliability in harsh mining conditions

The Customer

BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA): Leaders in Open-Cut Coal Mining
BMA is Australia’s largest coal producer and a joint venture between BHP and Mitsubishi. Operating several large-scale open-cut mines in Queensland’s Bowen Basin, BMA runs some of the most powerful dragline excavators in the world. Their focus on efficiency, safety, and equipment longevity makes transformer reliability essential to daily operations.

Glencore: Global Mining Powerhouse with a Focus on Safety and Performance
Glencore is one of the world’s largest diversified natural resource companies, with major coal mining operations across Queensland and New South Wales. Their mining sites demand robust, low-maintenance equipment capable of performing in harsh, high-vibration environments. Transformer stability and harmonic resilience are vital to Glencore’s operational standards.

DCS, CNW, and ABB: Trusted Partners in Electrical Supply and Integration
DCS, CNW, and ABB work closely with major mining operators to source and deliver electrical systems that meet the highest standards for durability and performance. As suppliers and integrators, they play a critical role in connecting companies like BMA and Glencore with proven transformer solutions-ensuring mining operations are powered by equipment that’s engineered to last.

The Challenge

Delivering Reliable Power Under Extreme Mechanical and Electrical Stress

Dragline excavators operate in some of the toughest industrial conditions on the planet. Used heavily in Australian open-cut mining operations, these machines demand highly stable power for their DC drive systems—while enduring constant vibration, dust, and temperature fluctuations.

Major end users including BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA) and Glencore required transformer solutions that would:

Tolerate high harmonic distortion from DC drives
Withstand extreme mechanical stress and environmental conditions
Deliver consistent, fault-free performance over long operating cycles
Comply with strict site safety and performance standards

Traditional transformers were prone to overheating, failures, or excessive maintenance—making a purpose-built solution essential.

The Solution

SES Drive Isolation Transformers: Built for Mining, Backed by Decades of Experience

Southern Electronic Services collaborated with OEMs and electrical contractors—including DCS, CNW, and ABB—to design and deliver a specialised range of three-phase Drive Isolation Transformers tailored for dragline excavators.

Key Design Features:

K9 Harmonic Rating: Handles high harmonic content from DC drives without overheating
Low Flux Density Design: Prevents core saturation at elevated voltages
Heavy-Duty Build: Core and coil assemblies are mechanically braced for extreme vibration
Over-Sized Neutral Connections: Accommodate harmonic-rich current profiles
Electrostatic Screens: Reduce electrical noise between windings
IP23 Enclosures: Rugged powder-coated steel housing with removable gland plates for ease of install
Built to Australian Standards: Full compliance with AS/NZS 60067 and AS/NZS 61558

Available in a wide range up to 600 kVA, SES Drive Isolation Transformers are double-wound, fully customisable, and designed for rapid deployment and simple integration.

Transformer units installed on dragline equipment, enclosure visuals, or in-field applications.

The Outcome

Keeping Australia’s Mining Giants Operating at Peak Performance

Since 2021, SES has delivered a growing volume of Drive Isolation Transformers to support the maintenance, upgrade, and expansion of mining operations across Australia. Key outcomes include:

Reduced downtime and transformer-related faults in critical drive systems
Improved power stability, protecting drive equipment from harmonic overload
Longer operating lifespans, minimising replacement and servicing intervals
Scalable support for draglines, conveyors, and heavy equipment across both domestic and international sites

SES continues to partner with mining contractors and integrators to expand the use of this proven technology in new projects.

Client Success

Brendan Girt

Deacam Operations Mgr

Nothing short of exceptional Deacam P/L were engaged to perform various project works associated with the Bayswater Level Crossing Removal (LCRP). Quick turnaround from suppliers were paramount to achieving project deadlines. After approaching multiple transformer manufacturing companies, S.E.S ( Southern Electronic Services) were the only company who were able to guarantee the manufacturing lead time required. A 60 kva transformer ordered 25/11/16 and delivered 2/12/16 was nothing short of exceptional considering we were receiving indicative lead times from other manufacturers of up to 30 days. We will be happy to engage SES again.

Charles Huberts

Purchasing Manager

Responsive and accommodating Southern Electronic Services have been supplying GBC Scientific Equipment with the majority of our Transformer and associated products for use in our range of Analytical Instruments since 1987. The Products supplied by Southern Electronic Services are an integral part of our Scientific Instruments, which enable our Customers to analyse elements in solution, up to parts per billion. We have found Southern Electronic Services to be very responsive and accommodating in times of increasing demand, always doing their utmost to get their products to GBC Scientific in a timely manner, supplying the correct product, at the right time and place with a minimum of hassle.

Delia Jones

Director

Rapid Response Dewar Electronics have been dealing with Southern Electronic Services P/L for over 30 years. Scott and his team have always provided us with quality products and prompt service. We are extremely satisfied with their service, especially when we need product in a hurry. They do whatever it takes to help us out. We highly recommend their services to anyone.

Duncan Massie

Director

Nothing too big or small Monex GeoScope has been using SES for over a decade now. We are a small manufacturing company making specialist acquisition system for which we need precision components. SES provide our transformers, inductors. We have limited runs and our products must be extremely repeatable and that is exactly what we receive from SES. SES have also provided invaluable advice and insight into designing induction coils with unique properties again with limited quantities. Given our size we have never felt that we are not important to SES; they provide a competitive quote and timeframe and adhere to it. We have and continue to find dealing with SES extremely pleasing

Scott Callander

Production Manager

Highest quality products Southern Electronic has been the main supplier for our transformer coils for over 10 years. Our transformers come with a four-year warranty period; we are able to offer this due to the quality workmanship of Southern Electronic. Their staff have always been there to help us with any technical enquiries, and their service has always been great. I would recommend Southern Electronic to anyone looking for transformers/winding service.

Stewart Johnston

Managing Director

Reliable products for over 30 years I would like to express our company’s pleasure in our dealings with Southern Electronic Services, which has extended now to nearly 30 years. We have always been dealt with in a professional and efficient manner, be that from yourself or your staff. Your products have been reliable and to my knowledge, I’m not aware of even one failure. So, thank you from PIC Australia and we will keep on using and recommending Southern Electronic Services.