Operated by contractor Speed Mining, the mine is owned by Brooktrout Holdings and was ranked third most productive US mine in an exclusive statistical review produced by Weir International Mining Consultants and published in American Longwall Magazine in December.

DBT, a leading manufacturer of underground mining machinery and equipment, announced it had received the orders for the miners, engineered specifically for low to high-seam applications.

American Eagle put DBT’s 30M3-L continuous miner into production last year to compare it with several other models. The machine boasts a mining range of 62-162in and a weight of 155,000 pounds with 905 installed horsepower.

“After assessing the 30M3-L in action underground, we are impressed with its durability, cutting power, reach and ability to operate smoothly in a difficult environment,” Speed Mining president Pete Hendrick said.

As a result of these trials Brooktrout Holdings together with Speed Mining Company ordered three additional machines for American Eagle mine which will ship to the mine in 2005.

“Speed Mining’s operation was an ideal proving ground to demonstrate the capabilities of our 30M3-L and illustrate the numerous advantages of the entire 30M Series,” said Bill Ramer, vice president of continuous miners, DBT America.

“The healthy stream of orders for our continuous miner line will keep us busy well into 2005.”

In related news DBT reported its first 30M4-NP continuous miner has been delivered to Agrium’s Vanscoy potash operations, located near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.

The 30M4-NP is a narrow profile, high-reach machine employing a high voltage 4160v cutting head that is capable of operating in a hard cutting, soft rock application (potash) and in seams up to 183in. It offers an integral on-board cooling system for all components without an external water source.