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Surface mining equipment is a vital asset for modern mining operations. Surface mining involves the extraction of minerals located near the earth’s surface by removing the soil and rock covering the mineral deposits. Common types of surface mining include strip mining and open-pit mining.

Highwall mining is a hybrid form of mining that accesses coal reserves from the base of an exposed highwall. It is typically used when the surface mining operation reaches the economic limitation imposed by the stripping ratio.

Highwall mining can extract the remaining ore at low capital cost than underground mining and uses different equipment than underground mining equipment.

Discover top suppliers of surface mining equipment and mining tools

Mining Technology has listed leading suppliers of surface and highwall mining equipment, based on its intel, insights, and decades-long experience in the sector.

The list includes suppliers of mining tools, including equipment for surface mining and highwall mining applications.

The information available in the download document is useful for mine owners and operators, procurement managers, and other individuals involved in the acquisition and maintenance of mining tools.

The download contains detailed information on the manufacturers and suppliers and their products and services, along with contact details to aid your purchase decision.

Related Buyer’s Guides which cover an extensive range of mining equipment manufacturers, solutions and suppliers, can also be found here.

Highwall mining tools and associated surface mining products and services

Surface and highwall mining equipment and associated products and services include:

  • Drilling, digging, and cutting equipment
  • Top hammer drill rigs and down-the-hole drill rigs
  • Bulk handling equipment
  • Electric mining shovels, hybrid shovels, blasthole drills, draglines, and wheel loaders
  • Dozers, motor graders, scrapers, hauling machines, and mining trucks
  • Excavators and dumpers
  • Support services for mining tools and machines
  • Water trucks
  • Highwall miners
  • Augers and multi-purpose buckets
  • Highwall mining system and equipment, and
  • Geophysical surveying services

For full details (including contact details) on the leading companies within this space, download the free Buyer’s Guide below:

Frequently asked questions

  • What is highwall mining?

    Highwall mining is a hybrid form of mining that extracts coal from the base of an exposed highwall. It is used when surface mining reaches its economic limit and allows access to remaining reserves without the need for underground mining.

  • How does highwall mining equipment work?

    Highwall mining equipment includes highwall miners, augers, and mining tools that extend into the wall to retrieve coal. The equipment operates remotely, reducing the risk for workers and enhancing safety.

  • What are the advantages of highwall mining?

    Highwall mining offers a cost-effective method of extracting coal compared to underground mining, with less environmental impact. It allows access to additional resources with minimal surface disruption.

  • How does highwall mining improve resource recovery?

    Highwall mining increases resource recovery by accessing coal seams that are not economically viable for surface or underground mining. It maximises coal extraction, reducing the amount of unmined resources.

  • What safety precautions are required for highwall mining?

    Safety precautions for highwall mining include slope stability monitoring, real-time equipment diagnostics, and ensuring proper ventilation to minimise dust exposure and gas buildup, protecting both the environment and workers.