The system is the first to leave the company's production warehouse for an Alabama destination. The supplied Terex SHM-Joy 14CM15 cutterhead on the unit will cut into the Thompson seam, the company said.

The unit is also fully adapted for dipping conditions; it features a steep-dip mining package that was recently developed to allow the miner to work into seams that have a dip of more than 12 degrees.

Terex SHM's highwall miner is currently in its second generation. It is remotely operated, self-contained and can be run and maintained by a three- to four-person team.

Depending on seam height, the company said its highwall units are capable of recovering 40,000 to 120,000 short tons of coal per month and up to 70% of in-situ coal during trench-mining applications or on contour benches.

According to US Mine Safety and Health Administration records, Tacoa Minerals controls three operations and one plant in Alabama: the Tacoa highwall, the Thompson surface mine, the underground Thompson Mine No. 1 and the Piney Woods preparation facility.