The chain was installed in June 2007, the first Chinese-manufactured Parsons chain to operate in Australia after China’s CME bought the Parsons Chain manufacturing plant and intellectual property rights for Parsons Mining Chain from UK parent company FKI.

 

Australian distributor Ellton Longwall found the Mandalong chain showed excellent results over its life, with readings of less than 0.9% elongation, and minimal sprocket cut and vertical wear.

 

“We are extremely happy with the results produced from this chain at Mandalong,” said Ellton Longwall sales representative Mitch Newton.

 

“[Parsons Chain China] has proven itself as a world-class quality chain manufacturer focused on achieving success in Australia.”

 

Newton said the success of the chain could also be attributed to the Mandalong longwall crew’s high level of understanding and maintenance of the armoured face conveyor (AFC) and beam stage loader (BSL) chain assemblies.

 

During monthly inspections Ellton Longwall staff had the opportunity to talk directly with maintenance personnel at the face to understand the issues firsthand.

 

Newton added that good results had also been achieved from notoriously corrosive pits at Centennial’s Newstan longwall and Anglo Coal’s Moranbah North mine, utilising CorX quality chains manufactured at the Parsons plant.