The company said as a result of the facility there has been a significant expansion in the population of Komatsu mining equipment in the Upper Hunter, requiring the branch to substantially increase its service and support capabilities.

Last year, Muswellbrook Coal took delivery of two Komatsu PC3000 excavators and two D475A-5 dozers, and will soon take delivery of a remote-control D275A-5 for working above former underground projects.

The Wambo coal mine’s expansion is underway, with Excel Coal in the process of receiving eleven new generation 290-tonne capacity 930E-3 dump trucks and two PC5500 excavators.

Four of the 930E-3s have already been delivered, with the remaining expected before August.

The two PC5500s are in addition to an existing PC5500 already operating at the mine, while the eleven 930E-3s will replace a fleet of eight 830Es.

Other recent orders through the branch include Coal & Allied's Mt Thorley-Warkworth mining operation, which has taken delivery of four D475A-5EO dozers, with another two on order. This is the first time Komatsu dozers have been supplied to this minesite.

The company has also ordered a fleet of eight 830E dump trucks and five D475A-5EO dozers, due for delivery between now and September for its Hunter Valley Operations.

Emeco has taken delivery of a PC1800-6 for use at its Bengalla Mine near Muswellbrook, while Daracon Mining Services has ordered a PC1800-6, which is due for delivery in August.

According to Peter Gledhill, Komatsu Australia`s recently appointed NSW mining accounts manager, a total of $150 million worth of equipment has been ordered for Hunter Valley mines in the past year, with over $90 million worth still to be delivered.