Surface miner replaces conventional mining at Australian coal mine

Management at the New Acland coal mine (NAC), Queensland, has turned to surface mining, as a sharp drop in coal prices required a more efficient mining methods. Wirtgen surface technology will be used in the NAC mine to combat the challenging geological conditions of the mine, which comprise 27 mostly thin coal seams interspersed by layers of interburden.

A 6 month trial phase proved succesful where the Wirtgen 4200 SM achieved cutting performance of up to 3000tph. Indeed, NAC has decided to purchase the 4200 SM.

Managing Direct at NAC, Andrew McDonald, commented: “I am impressed with economical, modern and environmentally friendly Wirtgen surface miner. NAC saves hard cash as soon as the miner is in operation.”

Edited from press release by Angharad Lock

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcoal.com/coal/18082015/nac-surface-mining-replaces-conventional-coal-mining-1280/