MECHANISED COAL AND SOFT ROCK
continuous miner . This machine has future automation baked-in and incorporates a new generation simplified control and drive system . The new VFD ( variable frequency drive ) traction system and open architecture software framework allows for exceptional operating efficiency improvements , according to the company .
The new CM2E is designed for operator productivity and comfort and uses the world ’ s most compact and light weight continuous miner remote control , with infinitely variable traction control , Eickhoff added .
More broadly , Eickhoff believes its “ last man serving ” philosophy and exclusive focus on shearers and continuous miners positions it to continue to support high production coal mining operations well into the future .
HBT highlights its heritage
HBT Group has also been signalling its dedication to the coal sector , with a resilient supply chain for both aftermarket and capital equipment that supports longwall operations .
Since Hauhinco Holding GmbH acquired Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH , and the associated companies in Australia , USA , Russia , India and China , the newly established HBT Group has been active in the M & A space , with most of the activity focused on improving its supply chain access and security .
The 2024 additions of Pempek Systems and Breuer Motoren have helped here . The former is a global supplier of equipment control , telemetry , hydraulic control and roof bolting solutions for mining applications , with the latter being a recognised supplier of drive and motor solutions for all market sectors that require robust , reliable and durable equipment . Both have equipment rated for use in coal mines .
Jay Armburger , Chief Technology Officer of HBT Longwall and Automation and CEO of HBT Americas , said the company ’ s supply chain dedication goes further than simply acquiring suppliers , with HBT partnering with key companies to share forecasts and help them prepare for incoming orders .
“ In some key areas , we have also made volume buy commitments around componentry ,” he told IM .
Eickhoff is looking to grow its continuous miner market share ( pictured is the CM2H-30 )
This is part of a wider move to the direct distribution and support model HBT now employs to ensure it is as close to customers as possible . “ This was a key focus area once we were formed ,” Armburger said .
“ We have also leveraged our manufacturing capabilities by insourcing some components – fabrication , machining , even some of the electrical components ,” he added . “ With some of the newly acquired companies , we are also leveraging their own supply capacity .”
The priority has been the aftermarket sector – supplying parts in a quick and effective fashion – but Armburger said there had been benefits when it comes to new equipment as well .
For instance , the company recently announced the first two roof supports manufactured by HBT in Luenen , Germany , had left its Westfalia Campus . A total of 200 roof supports using the latest HBT hydraulic leg technology are part of this order . They will be finally assembled for the Hamilton County coal mine in Illinois , USA , owned by Alliance Resource Partners .
“ It embodies a lot of what we are doing in terms of restarting the company with its existing heritage ,” Armburger said of this order . “ These supports contain all the HBT cylinders , electrohydraulic controls , valving , etc . A lot of the IP is ours , which is a key differentiator in the powered
roof support space .” The fact customers can also come to the Westfalia Campus to see the supports working on an HBT test rig also proves decisive when acquiring such equipment , according to Armburger .
“ We are able to supply these supports for both the capital and aftermarket , which is key in terms of gaining and retaining market share ,” he said .
“ Outside of this order , HBT recently completed the first HBT longwall shearer manufactured in its Luenen facility . The HBT EL2000 shearer comes with a total installed power of up to 1,780 kW at 50 Hz , with Armburger saying it was due to head to the new Malabar Maxwell mine in New South Wales , Australia , that produces high-quality metallurgical coal .
He said the shearer was equipped with automation capabilities , which continue to find favour in the markets HBT serves . “ Customers are certainly moving this way , and we ’ re continuing to work with them to achieve their vision , whether that is teleremote , surface or fully autonomous operations ,” he said .
Bauxite longwall applications
In China , longwall shearers have successfully been applied in bauxite mines using equipment from China Coal Technology and Engineering Group Corporation ( CCTEG ), the Chinese supplier says .
CCTEG says this world-first underground bauxite mining technique , which uses mechanised mining technology , transforms coal mining machines into bauxite mining machines for extraction , achieving a mineral recovery rate of over 95 % and a low depletion rate of less than 5 %. Regular ore sections can produce more than 500,000 t / y , it claims .
The first bauxite mine in China to deploy
The HBT EL2000 shearer comes with a total installed power of up to 1,780 kW at 50 Hz
62 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024