Industrea managing director Robin Levison said the purchase orders demonstrated the domestic demand for its specialised explosion protected and flame proof vehicles for underground coal mines.

“This latest order from Vale illustrates our leading position for the integrated supply of a broad range of equipment and services for underground coal mines. With the strength of the domestic market for underground coal we expect a very strong performance from Industrea Mining for FY12 and continuing into FY13,” he said.

The equipment will be manufactured at Industrea’s facility in Thornton in the Hunter Valley.

In addition to the specialist underground drill rigs for high methane environments, Industrea manufactures a full range of intrinsically safe, explosion protected, flame proof equipment for the movement of personnel and equipment in underground coal mines.

“In addition to our well established market for the 70 tonne chock carriers, it is pleasing to see growing acceptance in the Australian market of the general purpose 50 tonne dozer and the130 tonne shearer carrier,” Levison said.

“This dedicated shearer carrier provides substantial efficiency and safety benefits for the re-location of large coal seam shearers.

“The 130 tonne shearer carrier is the largest carrier of its type in the world and this is the second sale of this type of carrier in Australia. Through our Chinese distribution company, Industrea Wadam, we have also supplied the same capacity shearer carrier in China.

“Through Industrea’s integrated divisions we are able to provide a full service for underground coal mines including survey and de-gasification services via Industrea Gas Management.”