Wollongong-based Alminco has bedded down the acquisition of Emerald-based Highlands Mining after signing the acquisition agreement in December.

Alminco specialises in roof support drill systems for underground mining while Highlands Mining is a manufacturer of track-mounted bolting rigs.

The company said the acquisition of Highlands Mining advanced Alminco’s strategy of expanding its track mounted bolting division to new clients with more products.

Alminco general manager Joe Cabello said the complementary combination of Highlands Mining’s narrow crawler and Alminco’s Scorpion series of air and electro hydraulic, Spyder and Gopher series roof bolters would create a complete offering of rapidly deployed secondary and longwall support solutions for the world’s underground mining industry.

“The acquisition of Highlands Mining furthers our growth strategy and provides substantial opportunities to better service our combined client base,” he said.

“Alminco has recently found success for its Electro Scorpion machines with orders from Europe and Africa now in the books and follows on from a substantial investment in R&D to develop the current Scorpion range.”

The joint know-how and experience in designing and manufacturing crawler bolting rigs was extensive, Cabello said.

“Bolting rigs are proving to be an excellent and very versatile tool in the challenging world of underground coal mining with the Scorpion already being employed in roadway development, supporting continuous miner operations and in secondary roof support,” he said.

“The narrower Highlander is an excellent machine for conveyor road repair work as well as secondary roof support.”

Former Highlands Mining managing director Gary Dixon will join Alminco in a business development role.

All other Highlands Mining staff will transfer to Alminco.

Highlander crawler rigs will, for the time being, continue to be manufactured in Emerald, Queensland, at the Alminco service centre.