Parkhurst, Queensland

The Parkhurst facility in Rockhampton currently has several strip and repair jobs on the floor. Kestrel’s second AFC, supplied new to the mine in October 2000, is undergoing strip and repair. The machine was sold with a guaranteed repair level.

The second set of longwall gear from Moranbah North is undergoing strip and repair and is due to be returned to the mine to begin cutting coal in February/March. New additions include a high-impact crusher and a third drive. Both AFCs have now been fitted with three drives.

Three Queensland mines are in the process of tendering for or considering renewing continuous miner fleets. Six or seven continuous miners are expected to be ordered in the state in 2002.

The facility has also just installed a new wet head onto an existing Powercoal machine for trials at the Awaba bord and pillar mine in NSW. Developed through Joy US, the wet head is designed for a narrow head, cut and flit machine, and is similar in design to a shearer. Water spray behind each pick is ported through the gear casing, reducing reliance on on-board scrubbers.

Mossvale, NSW

The Mossvale facility has two new Australian-made 12CM30s on the floor, one of which is to be delivered to Tahmoor in March.

Three 12CM20s are undergoing conversion to 12CM30 for Baal Bone, Waratah and West Cliff. The upgrade will give the CMs bigger tracks, more power and better drill rig facility.

During the current financial year Mossvale reports it has about 12 contracts for upgrades to JNA2, the control system on continuous miners.

Compatibility on the United longwall equipment is due to begin in late February. United is converting from bord and pillar to longwall operations and has ordered a new 4LS shearer. Roof supports, AFC and BSL are being sourced from the closed Teralba mine. The roof supports are being refurbished and fitted with a new roof support control system (RS20). Longwall production is expected to begin in late April.