The equipment includes a Caterpillar continuous miner, a Joy feeder breaker, four Cat ram cars, two VLI personnel transporters, a Waratah shuttle car, two Ampcontrol substations, two Flaktwoods auxiliary ventilation fans, a Capricorn Mining pipe trailer, two Sandvik load haul dump vehicles, a VLI Brumby tool carrier and two Ampcontrol distribution control boxes.

The acquisitions are on top of the new continuous miner purchase which Delta SBD announced in August 2011 and which is due for delivery in mid–2012.

Delta SBD’s chief executive Stephen Bizzaca said: “The nature and quality of our equipment is paramount to being a successful services company and I am delighted we have been able to secure these valuable additions to our fleet in a market where roadway development equipment of this nature is in high demand.

“The acquisition demonstrates our focus on continually expanding our fit-for-purpose equipment to ensure we are in a strong position to respond to demand from clients as new mines come online and existing clients look to increase production.

“The forecast for growth across the coal industry remains positive which is driving production and expansion projects across Australia – consequently we are continuing to review a range of business opportunities for Delta SBD.

Delta SBD currently operates six driveage development units for clients across the country. This additional equipment ensures the company has the capability to provide two complete development units.

Delta SBD said it had put in place appropriate external funding arrangements to finance the equipment.