As the mine prepares to begin operating in the new Ti-Tree area in early 2004, preparations are underway to move to the thicker seam area.

With an increase in seam thickness, from 2.4 metres to 3.2m, equipment will have to be reconfigured. Kestrel will use the same equipment in the new area - two DBT Electra EL 1000 DERDS shearers, Joy roof supports and a Joy face conveyor.

Variable voltage, variable frequency (VVVF) drives will be introduced at Kestrel to accommodate a downhill operation for the trunk conveyer system.

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