Earlier in the year, the company formed Valley Longwall Hydraulics, a new venture to supply Duffield hoses and fittings to the mining sector. The service includes two field service vehicles capable of delivering and fitting hydraulic hoses and fittings.

Valley Longwall Hydraulics also established a hydraulic store and workshop at Valley Longwall Drilling's Muswellbrook site. The company said it provides full support for the field service units as well as a competitive and professional alternative to the current hydraulic supply and service outlets within the Muswellbrook and surrounding districts.

Valley Longwall’s rigs are being serviced by its hydraulics division and, according to workshop manager Wayne Parkinson, drill availability has increased from 63% to 97%. This has been partly achieved through re-engineering and reconfiguring the hydraulics on the rigs.

Valley Longwall Drilling has also designed its own multi-directional drill rig, with a 600m reach, and rotary drills. The company hopes to export the technology overseas along with the company’s systems and methods.

Parkinson said the company’s technology and method to drilling offered a wide range of applications. These included fault finding in primary exploration, gas and water drainage, rotary drilling and underground gas pipeline installation.