The fully automated plow system was supplied by Bucyrus DBT and commissioned in 2005.
With an uptime of more than 95%, the plow system - a Bucyrus DBT Gleithobel GH 38 with 800kW of cutting power and equipped with the PF 3/822 plow line pan - achieved the best shift output of 3760t in July 2007. The best daily output reached 5700t.
In July, the plow team safely mined an operation record 100,031t of raw coal.
The operation mines hard coal on a 200m wide face which varies in thickness from 1.35m to 1.5m.
In addition to the Gleithobel plow, the longwall system comprises a state-of-the-art DBT PM 4 shield control system and plow control technology for complete automation, requiring no operators at the face.
The plow is driven by two 400kW motors via a 38mm plow chain. The conveying system, speed of plow, depth of cut and shield support controls are tailored to Jinhuagong Mine conditions to maximise performance and safety.
Established in 1956, Jinhuagong Coal Mine is located 12km west of Datong in the north of China. It had an annual output of 4.25Mt in 2005 and is a key coal mine of Datong Coal Mine Group. The mine produces high-quality steam coal.
