Mining giant Peabody is set install a complete Cat longwall mining system at its North Goonyella coking coal operation in central Queensland.
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The Cat longwall system includes roof supports and a face conveyor for a 300-metre face, a shearer and beam stage loader. The largely automated mining system aims to increase productivity and operator safety.
The system’s shearer unit will be a Cat EL300 model, equipped with the Cat PMC Evo-S control system and software. This automation package will allow for the shearer to be controlled by just one operator with a remote control.
Sensors placed in the gate ends and shield controllers of the system allow users to gather advanced 3D navigation data and produce an accurate floor profile.
Cat says the automated features of the longwall miner enhance safety, reduce coal dilution, enable faster haulage speeds and increase the life of the longwall components including the face conveyor and roof supports.
To combat the dust of central Queensland, Cat is supplying an efficient dust suppression system tailored to the specific environment of the North Goonyella mine.
Additionally, Caterpillar has developed a corrosion protection strategy to improve resistance to corrosion and to minimise maintenance activities in the mine environment. The longwall system’s 153 new roof supports will have specially coated rods used in the hydraulic legs, and susceptible components will be built from highly corrosion resistant materials.