Column: Zinc concentrates squeeze but there’s no shortage of metal
Global zinc mine production continues to slide and the raw materials squeeze is now starting to bite, particularly in China.
At the upcoming Bluefield Coal Show, Caterpillar and regional Cat® dealers are presenting the extensive line of Cat underground coal mining and utility machines as well as the customer support capabilities that are critical to safe and productive mining.
Since the acquisition of Bucyrus and its underground coal mining product line in 2011, Caterpillar and Cat dealers have added capabilities to their already unparalleled product support systems. By retaining the expertise developed over many years and by integrating the underground equipment parts supply, maintenance services, and component and machine rebuild functions with proven Caterpillar systems, Cat dealers are setting new standards for supporting underground coal operations.
Cat-CM210 Continuous Miner Working in Thin Seam
The Cat underground coal mining product line includes the full spectrum of room-and-pillar machines and longwall machines as well as highwall miners. The Cat low-seam continuous miner, the CM210, will be featured in the Bluefield exhibit. The low-seam machine represents the extensive line of Cat continuous miners capable of operating in heights of 30 inches to more than 15 feet.
Representing the line of Cat scoops is the SU488 L, a battery-powered, low profile utility vehicle with 10 tons capacity. The Cat utility scoop line includes battery- and diesel-powered machines ranging from 5 tons to 16 tons capacity, and they are proven to be among the strongest and most durable scoops available.
Information also will be available about the complete Cat line of face haulers, continuous haulage systems, roof bolters, feeder breakers and LHDs—a comprehensive line of room-and-pillar mining machines. Similarly, Cat longwall mining systems—roof supports and controls, shearers, plows, armored face conveyors and state-of-the-art drive systems—are presented.
Cat belt conveyor systems and belt products for underground mines also are featured at Bluefield. Caterpillar offers versatile pre-engineered solutions, which are mobile, modular and flexible. Engineered systems—for specific coal handling needs—also are available and supported by an experienced team of engineers. Consider Caterpillar for belt drives, discharge units, take-ups, belt storage units and conveyor rolls.
Additionally, the Cat highwall miner is available to mine exposed coal seams and to economically recover coal without removing the overlying overburden. A model of the HW300 Highwall Miner will be on display at Bluefield. The machine offers two electric cutter head modules—a low-seam cutter for seams 28 to 64 inches and a mid-seam cutter to mine seam heights from 54 to 120 inches. The self-propelled HW300 operates on benches as narrow as 59 feet, and it trams easily from entry to entry.
No matter what the mining challenge, Caterpillar can help. For more information, visit the Caterpillar team at Bluefield, contact the local Cat dealer or go to: www.mining.cat.com
