Twelve Hitachi EH rigid dump trucks are reported to be peforming well at Middlemount Coal in the Australia’s central Bowen Basin, 6 km south west of Middlemount in Queensland. The fleet is operated by contractor NRW, and latest innovations in engineering technology; along with nine EH3500ACII models.

A leading provider of services to the resources and infrastructure sector, NRW, recently secured a five-year mining services agreement as the contractor for Middlemount Coal. The mine is expected to produce over 44 Mt of coal over a 15 year lifespan and the Hitachi machines will be instrumental in the transportation of payloads on the site. NRW was the first mining contractor in the world to take delivery of the new EH4000ACII model. Thanks to the success of the initial three trucks on the Middlemount site, ten further models have been ordered to support the existing fleet.

Hitachi believes that the large-capacity dump trucks are the perfect partner for the six large Hitachi hydraulic excavators being used at the project. Four EX3600-6s, one EX5500-6 and a ZX670LCH-3 are being used to extract both overburden and coal. In addition, an EX5500-6 and EX1900-6 have been ordered by NRW to support the existing EX excavators and enhance productivity in the process.  Shaun Lucas, NRW’s General Manager of East Coast Operations said: “The key selection criteria for NRW consists of a quality product and a strong support network. We are keen to develop a harmonious and commercially favourable relationship with Hitachi.”