Big contract for Chch company

Press, 14 December 1985, Page 8

Big contract for Chch company

A Christchurch manufacturing company has been awarded part of a $l7 million mining contract for State Coal Mines. C.W.F. Hamilton and Company, Ltd, will manufacture New Zealand’s first longwall mining equipment for the Huntly East mine.

The group’s general manager, Mr Derek Taylor, said the company’s part of the contract was valued well over $1 million, but a final figure had not been reached.

The main part of the contract, for the supply, assembly, installation, and commissioning of the longwall mining plant, was awarded to a British firm, Dowty Mining Equipment, Ltd.

Mr Taylor said Dowty would supply technical expertise, design, and hydraulic, electrical, crushing, and pumping equipment. “We will take the raw steel plate, gas-cutting it into shape and welding the major components for about 90 machines,” he said.

Dowty was chosen after State Coal Mines and British Mining Consultants evaluated 17 tenders. Their recommendation was then reviewed by B.H.P. Engineering, of Australia. The longwall mining machine is similar to a gigantic hydraulic jaw, and weighs 13 to 15 tonnes. It allows miners to work between tunnels in the ground, and advances forward leaving the cavity the machine creates to collapse behind.

More coal could be mined and less labour was needed, said |lr Taylor.

The equipment should i be in use by May, 1987/ Three further longwall unitssare planned for the Huntly West No. 1 underground mines in 1989, 1991, and 1993. The tenders for these will be advertised in 1987. More longwall equipment will; be needed for the No. 2 mine, in the mid-19905. Hamilton’s will begin work on the. machines in April, and should be finished by December. Mr Taylor said more staff would, not be needed, but the contract would allow present '•staff levels io be maintained/ The Minister of Energy, Mr Tizard, said longwall mining heralded a new; era for State Coal Mines, using the most advanced technology available. ; “The success of the' technology will be vital to-the development of the major underground reserves in the Huntly district, as needed to meet the' four-fold expansion of demand for coal over the next 15 years,” he said.

Mr Tizard said State Coal Mines was developing; resource planning, mine. development, and staff training in preparation for the introduction 'of longwall mining. It is involved also ] in public discussions on .the environmental’.effects of development, in conjunction with the Commission-for the Environment. . ■/.Vi vi “We aim to minimise the adverse effects and possible enhance 1 ‘(the physical and social envjiionnient of Huntly through landscaping and rehabilitation aqd„ provision of public he said.