The roadheader was delivered to the unnamed buyer on November 8.

IMM’s export contracts from Russia, Australia and India so far this year are worth more than $US14 million ($A14.29 million).

"These international orders mark another significant milestone for IMM [as] the recognition of our market leadership has extended to international markets,” company chairman Thomas Quinn said, noting IMM would continue its strong performance in the Chinese domestic market.

IMM chief executive Allen Chan said that, although the international market for longwall equipment was not as dynamic as that of China, the international exposure was helping to strengthen the company’s service capabilities and adopt international product design applications.

“[T]his will further enhance our leadership position in China,” he said. “We are in an excellent position to capture the opportunities from the ongoing drive for mechanization and consolidation in China."

China is the largest coal producer, making up 45.6% of world production, according to BP’s 2009 Statistical Review of World Energy Report. The US was second at 15.8%, followed by Australia (6.7%), India (6.2%), Indonesia (4.6%) and Russia (4.1%).

IMM, which produces longwall equipment including roadheaders, shearers and armored-face conveyors, is the OEM to China’s 50 largest coal producers, which collectively make up 60% of the country’s production.