The package comprises a Joy 7LS shearer, DBT 5.5m shields, Longwall Associates AFC and Repower Mining International pump station. The electrical package is being supplied by Australian electrical company Ampcontrol.
The deal is noteworthy for Longwall Associates in that it is the Virginia-based company’s first contract in China and includes stage loader, crusher and belt tail piece.
The mine, located near Jincheng, in the Southeast corner of Shanxi Province, and about 370 miles southwest of Beijing, is due to start production in April 2005.
The bulk of the gear is due to be delivered to the Chinese port in Xingang from the first week in December.
SAADEC general manager Ron Hite, said a mini-build would be set up on site to allow for 30 days of intense training on the surface.
“Most of the workforce have never seen a Western style longwall before,” he said.
SAADEC is 56% owned by Asian American Coal (AACI), with Jincheng Daning Coal Company (36%) and Shanxi Coal Transportation and Sales Corporation (8%). SAADEC is the first foreign-led group to obtain a mining license from the Chinese government.
