As Chinese authorities move to improve the efficiency and safety of the mining industry, mine-sites are becoming increasingly mechanized, with many Australian suppliers winning orders from China.

Ampcontrol is playing a major part in this surge of activity and since 2000 a significant number of substations have been supplied to Chinese mine operators. These include conveyor substations and development substations to Shanxi Asian American – Daning Energy, the first joint venture coal mining company in China.

Ampcontrol recently received another order to build on this export success from Shenhua International for twelve underground substations. The order, comprising four 3.1MVA development substations and eight 3MVA longwall substations follows the supply of a number of conveyor starters since 2000 and two 3.1MVA complex development substations in 2003. The most recent order is valued in excess of $7 million.

In addition to Ampcontrol’s own success, they are also currently working with other Australian companies who have been successful in the Chinese market and are supplying the electrical systems and gas detection systems for directional drill rigs that are used for the extraction of methane in coal seams.

Group sales manager of Ampcontrol, Garry Hillier attributes the latest success to the excellent continuous performance of these starters and substations since they were placed in service.

“Our equipment may not necessarily be the lowest price on the table, but the advantage lies in the long term reliability stemming from the inbuilt quality of the package,” Hillier said. “We have designed and developed the major components of the substations such as the transformer and protection/control system and applied innovative features to these items, further enhancing the end product availability,” he said.

Another contributing factor to Ampcontrol’s success is the high level of safety enjoyed by Australian mines, a direct result of stringent safety standards applied to the manufacture and operation of mine infrastructure.

Ampcontrol said a competent service team, and more importantly, support from its Chinese representative/partner, Bright Dynasty International had been instrumental in the company’s success in China.

Since the first equipment was installed in 2000 Ampcontrol and its partners developed an efficient service capability to cater for any operational difficulties. This includes on-site back up teams available through Bright Dynasty International at all times. Initial commissioning of equipment is carried out by Ampcontrol personnel with subsequent on-site training also provided for mine electricians and operators.