DBT systems projects manager Tim Clarke said the longwall equipment workshop is now focused on manufacturing and delivering Felix Resources’ Ashton longwall equipment in time for the commencement of full production in March, as well as building an EL3000 shearer for Newlands and several other sets of AFC equipment, including for BMA's Broadmeadow Mine.

 

Ashton’s tailgate drive, supports, maingate, stage loader, bootend and 420m long monorail have recently been completed along the DBT production line, after being assembled and put through a series of tests and customised to Ashton’s requirements.

 

Since moving into the new $A24 million facility, the company is also focused on significantly increasing the production numbers of its diesel machines. The introduction of production line assembly allows the ramping up or down of machine build to meet fluctuations in market demand.

 

Development and diesel general manager Paul Mulley said the facility has the capacity to manufacture in excess of 200 machines which is DBT’s long-term target.

 

Some of the extra machines manufactured this year will cover the rising Australian customer demand and also contribute to DBT’s expanding hire fleet.

 

The service and repair workshop at Beresfield is fully equipped for the repair and overhaul of roof supports, conveyors, shearers, diesel equipment, feeders and miners, as well as reconditioning its valves, hydraulic legs, rams and electro-hydraulics.

 

As well as providing state-of-the-art workshop space, the two new offices on the site have brought together the DBT workforce from the old offices at Argenton and Hexham, providing a unified base for the 320 qualified and mining-experienced employees.

 

 

The DBT monorail headed for Ashton.

 

 

 

DBT's diesel vehicles at the Beresfield workshop.

 

 

One of the workshops at DBT's Beresfield facility.

 

 

 

A DBT continuous miner being assembled at the workshop.