Neilson was speaking at Joy's AIMEX stand which featured the company's new automated bolting unit (which was being kept under lock and key), a Stamler BF14 feeder breaker and 10SC32 BC shuttle car ordered by Beltana.

According to Neilson, by adopting a systems approach from the continuous miner through to the feeder breaker, mines can achieve more in development.

"A matched system can get better rates of production. Beltana has already achieved record production and they are committed to a system approach," Neilson said.

The shuttle car on display featured Joy's four-wheel suspension option - which can lessen fatigue and increase production through better operator comfort, as well as increasing chassis life to the machine.

The 10SC32 is offered with a choice of cabin arrangements, including the new wide side-saddle cabin.

Also on display was the BF14A-59-103C feeder breaker with a massive throughput of 1250tph.

Neilson also flagged the imminent release of Joy's next generation of continuous miners - the 14ED25 already at use at a Consol operation in the US, and the 12ED25 yet to be released. The 12ED25 is expected to be available in Australia towards the end of 2008.