Details of the loader are to be released in July with an official product launch planned for October.

Industrea chief executive officer Robin Levison said the LHD had been developed in consultation with a number of the company’s Australian and Chinese clients.

Levison said he believed the machine had a “number of unique design features that will significantly improve the safety and productivity of underground operations”

“The LHD incorporates a Tier3 ultra-low emissions engine package that complies with all latest Australian mines regulations,” he said.

The 10T LHD is set to complement Industrea’s fleet by adding a multipurpose vehicle.

“With the addition of our unique LHD we will be able to provide a complete transportation system for all longwall equipment and materials used in underground coal mines,” Levison said.

He said the company’s products could reduce longwall installation and relocation times, which meant less downtime and more coal cut.

Initial LHD product trials will take place in Australia.

Industrea expects strong sales from Australia and China as well as some emerging markets.

The company supplies flameproof and explosion-proof underground longwall transportation vehicles.

These include the LWC longwall roof support carrier, the LSC longwall shearer carrier and the DZR longwall dozer/retriever.

It also supplies underground personnel transport vehicles including the Minecruiser M7.0, which includes the only Australian Tier3 engine system for light vehicles.