MECHANISED COAL AND SOFT ROCK
exceptional value with every solution . The company offers 18 models of mining equipment including continuous miners , face haulers , shield haulers , feeder breakers , scoops , utility vehicles and highwall miners . Beyond manufacturing , Gainwell Engineering says it also offers a suite of support services , including spare parts supply , expert technical guidance and comprehensive repair and rebuild solutions .
The shield haulers are designed to maximise efficiency and minimise downtime . The SH660 is a heavy-capacity shield hauler and can carry 60 t on the cookie plate . The equipment streamlines longwall operations by reducing unproductive relocation time , according to the company . The roof supports are available in various dimensions and capacities to tackle any setup or movement challenge . Designed to enhance safety , these carriers keep operators out of hazardous areas while ensuring swift and reliable support handling , Gainwell says .
The Kestrel coal mine is in Emerald , Queensland . Kestrel is a single longwall mine – the longwall is 415-m wide , and up to 3.5-km long . The operation has a peak production of over 1 Mt a month , using 198 shields .
PRS collaboration
Under a cooperative agreement between Komatsu , Becker-Warkop and Hydrotech , 385 new longwall powered roof supports were recently delivered to a US longwall coal producer in Alabama .
While Komatsu has provided powered roof supports to this producer in the past , this is the first solution supplied in collaboration with Becker-Warkop and Hydrotech .
The new Joy-designed supports at the US longwall operation also include Joy ’ s Faceboss RS20s roof support controls . The longwalls enter operation at mines which have seam heights of 1.14 m and 1.35 m , respectively , and the 1,700- mm-wide supports feature a maximum operating height of 2.95 m and have 380 mm bore legs .
Other longwall equipment at this mine was supplied by Komatsu including three Joy 7LS1D shearers and three armoured face conveyors , including the first US-sourced Joy panline .
In 2021 , Komatsu announced a plan to provide Joy-engineered powered roof support solutions through partnerships with powered roof support manufacturers .
The company at the time said it remained fully committed to supporting and serving the global longwall market by providing Joy-engineered PRS solutions ; designing bespoke roof supports ; continuing to design and manufacture its Joy armoured face conveyors , shearers and longwall controls ( including PRS controls ); and providing project management , quality and integration services for longwall systems .
Under a cooperative agreement between Komatsu , Becker-Warkop and Hydrotech , 385 new longwall powered roof supports were recently delivered to a US longwall coal producer in Alabama , USA
Malabar ’ s Maxwell milestone
A project in Australia celebrated its own roof support milestone earlier this year , with the arrival of the first 72 supports for the initial longwall panels at the Maxwell underground mine in New South Wales .
Malabar Resources , owner of the mine , made the announcement , saying these units would support the initial mining before the roof support contingent swells to 146 units when the longwall expands to 300 m .
The supports were manufactured by China ’ s ZMJ and are designed to serve as essential roof supports during longwall mining , ensuring both safety and efficiency in operation .
“ The delivery of these initial shields is not just a logistical achievement but a crucial indicator of the progress we are making towards full operational readiness for the Maxwell underground longwall ,” Malabar said .
A new Sandvik bolter miner
This year , Sandvik Mining & Rock Solutions , via its Mechanical Cutting Division , is expected to make the latest addition to its highly respected bolter miner line up with the MB672 .
Sandvik states the upgraded model “ is full of new innovations with highest standards of
automation and digitalisation which improve productivity and lowers total cost of ownership ”.
It adds that the new bolter miners represent the safest longwall development system available and can be used from a 2 m to 5 m cutting height .
Sandvik has over 30 years ’ experience in this sector , having delivered more than 500 bolter miners worldwide , it claims .
The OEM says the new machine has operational features boosting roadway development performance and customer profitability . This includes its CUTRONIC ® automated cutting technology and horizon control for reliable and fast excavation with the highest profile accuracy , a technology already deployed on Sandvik roadheaders .
The machine also features semi-mechanised bolting for improved bolting accuracy , increased safety due to less personnel requirements , plus more monitoring of bolting , and the ability to record and report bolting data . The design also means that the MB672 is equipped to allow for fully automated bolting in the future when customers are ready .
A new machine control system allows for teleremote operation using a 5G network , allowing it to be operated from anywhere on surface . Machine telemetry data collection is instant and protected using Sandvik ’ s Racoon cloud services , while real-time condition monitoring allows for better maintenance planning .
The machine is based on an ergonomic platform , with increased bolting capability to suit different cutting heights . Plus , on-site underground modifications are possible if required , Sandvik says , bringing further flexibility . The machine even has an integrated exploration drilling option of up to 200-300 m ahead with a hole diameter of 65-113 mm for onboard methane and water detection to ensure the highest safety and productivity .
Its innovative sump-frame mechanism has increased cutter motor power of 400 kW . This incorporates cutting and bolting operations much closer – while the machine is stabilised for installation of ground support , the sump frame mechanism continues to move forward to cut out the next cycle . IM
68 International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2024