MECHANISED COAL & SOFT ROCK m. It comes with a cutting diameter of 1.1 m, cutting drum width of almost 3.6 m and cutting power of 2 x 209 kW.
This achievement not only marks a significant step for Gainwell Engineering but also aligns with the Make in India initiative, strengthening the nation’ s vision for selfreliance in manufacturing high-end capital goods, the company says.
Gainwell said:“ In line with the growing demand for coal in India, our underground room and pillar mining equipment is designed to play a crucial role in augmenting India’ s efforts to become self-sufficient in energy resources and enhance coal production from underground mines. This machine’ s deployment is a proud contribution to India’ s energy resilience, ensuring a consistent supply of coal for the nation’ s growing needs.
“ We owe this milestone to the dedication and operational excellence of our team, whose commitment and expertise made this project possible.”
Sandvik CM heading to West Virginia
Sandvik Mining added to this continuous miner buzz recently with the announcement that a brand-new Sandvik MC351 CM had left its Mechanical Cutting factory in Zeltweg, Austria, destined for the US.
“ This high-performance machine is designed for low seam operations, delivering exceptional cutting power – making it ideal for coal applications,” the company said.“ Later in September it is planned to start operation in West Virginia.”
The MC350, Sandvik’ s existing low seam CM and the closest analogue to the MC351, is 10.9 m in length, 1.3 m in height and comes with total installed power of 641 kW.
Continuous industrial mineral production
Komatsu also showcased the Joy 12HM26 continuous miner at MINExpo, as part of its expanding soft-rock offering.
The 12HM26 is part of a family of heavy miners( HM) designed and built for harsh conditions and enhanced with powerful automation features.
With a total mass of more than 95,000 kg and boasting 750 kW of total power, the 12HM26 is engineered specifically for industrial mineral applications. Equipped with an advanced Ripperveyor cutting system, this machine delivers exceptional power, durability and operational flexibility, the company says.
Joy HM solutions, such as the 12HM26, are designed to enhance operational efficiency through all-electric operation, which reduces environmental impact and extends component life cycles. A primary feature of the machines is the integration of automation technologies that support remote management and operator assistance for underground operations.
In line with Komatsu’ s sustainability goals and commitment to zero harm, the 12HM26 can be equipped with a proximity detection system with dynamic zones that interact seamlessly with manual operations, boosting safety and efficiency.
Australia-based NEPEAN Longwall recently signed a distribution agreement with CCTEG- Shanxi Tiandi Coal Mining Machinery Co., Ltd and its Australian trading business SYEC Pty Ltd, giving it access to the China-based company’ s complete range of underground coal mining equipment. The initial focus is on key areas such as roadway development equipment and explosionprotected diesel vehicles, both of which are well suited to Australian conditions and operational requirements, NEPEAN says.
Following the signing of this agreement, and the acquisition of new, larger facilities in New South Wales and Queensland to provide expanded floor area for the new product range, IM caught up with NEPEAN Longwall General Manager, Matt Carroll, to find out more.
IM: What does the combination of CCTEG equipment with NEPEAN engineering expertise offer the Australian coal sector that is not currently available? What unique, complementary elements does the pairing provide?
MC: The partnership makes sense to both companies. Local knowledge and expertise are essential to the successful introduction of equipment and solutions in the underground coal market. NEPEAN interprets the customer requirements and communicates this to CCTEG. As one of the world’ s largest manufacturers of underground coal mobile machinery, CCTEG is a leading innovator. They understand the requirement for
NEPEAN is expanding both its personnel and facility size to accommodate CCTEG’ s indemand offering customisation and have the engineering horsepower to rapidly respond to customer needs.
IM: Is there any equipment within the CCTEG offering that is specifically in demand in Australia?
MC: Market conditions for coal create headwinds for local miners. Capital is tight and mine sites must compete for capital against more attractive options. With our partners CCTEG, we offer worldclass machinery at a lower capital cost and with finance options. NEPEAN offers the local service and overhaul support that is both rapid and reliable. China is setting world records for roadway development advance rates using CCTEG equipment, and our customers are keen to access this technology.
IM: Have you previously supplied CCTEG equipment to Australian customers in the past?
MC: The agreement was the first step. It was all about timing. The CCTEG products have matured, with hundreds of machines operating every day at the most productive mines in the world. NEPEAN were looking for a partner for underground coal development machinery and CCTEG, who had already had success in the Australian market with their drill rigs and other equipment, were looking to strengthen their market presence.
IM: More broadly, how is NEPEAN continuing to stand out from the rest of its competitors in the mechanised coal sector?
MC: NEPEAN has deep experience in working with international manufacturing partners. China Coal BMJ have been our partners for the design and supply of powered roof supports( PRSs) and together we have enjoyed outstanding success in the Australian market over the last five years delivering 1,131 PRS units and dominating the market.
NEPEAN is in the process of delivering a 2,100 tonne PRS, which is the highest capacity ever to be supplied to the Australian market. We have great relationships and a commitment to our customers. The opportunity to broaden our reach into the market with CCTEG will bring with it a better value proposition and short lead times on equipment.
International Mining | SEPTEMBER 2025 51