While it declined to identify the mine, the company said Monday afternoon that it was recently contracted for the move and, with 10 men working one shift per day, completed the movement of 193 shields in 14 days.
While moving an average 13.5 shields per day, Strata crews also built stoppings and cribs to re-establish ventilation from the mined-out panel.
Mining companies will typically halt production and use internal staff to complete longwall moves, but that method can result in several days of lost production and revenues. No interruption to the mine’s normal rate of progress resulted from retaining Strata Mine Services to complete the move instead.
“Each successful project expands Strata Mine Services’ resume of service offerings,” Strata vice-president and general manager Jeff Hamrick said.
“From general man labor to coal dust suppression to ventilation control with seals, overcasts and stoppings construction, Strata Mine Services has the equipment, the crews and the expertise to complete any construction project – nationwide.”
Strata Mine Services is an arm of Georgia-based Strata Products Worldwide.