The machinery and equipment, to be delivered to the underground Rio Turbio black coal mine near Buenos Aires, is the result of four preliminary contracts, the largest of which is worth about $US25.4 million. The contracts are considered pending until they receive approval from the Argentine government, according to Kopex’ chief executive officer.

The announcement comes on the heels of the arrangement the two organisations made in January of this year for two contracts totalling some $US862,000 for delivery of equipment and spares for the Rio Turbio coal preparation plan.

Kopex, which has had prior involvement in the development of Argentine coal mines, had $US131.5 million in sales revenue for 2004.

The state-run Rio Turbio mine produces some 200,000 tonnes of coal per year and employs over 1000 miners. Four miners were killed at the mine last year after a fire.