In another move towards Caterpillar Inc’s exit from the coal and soft rock underground mining equipment markets, it and US company Simmons Equipment based in Tazewell, Virginia have announced that the two companies have signed an exclusive IP license agreement. The agreement grants Simmons Equipment exclusive global rights to manufacture certain low seam room and pillar soft rock mining & haulage equipment lines formerly produced by Caterpillar and follows an IP licensing deal with India’s Gainwell Technologies for medium and high seam room and pillar machinery that also included parts and service.

The portfolio of equipment involved in the Simmons deal includes the CM210 Continuous Miner, CM220 Continuous Miner, Continuous Haulage Product Line, FH110 Battery Hauler, FB85 Feeder Breaker, FB140 Feeder Breaker, RB120 Roof Bolter, and the complete battery Shield Hauler Product Line (SH620, SH630, SH650, and SH680).  The agreement also grants Simmons Equipment non-exclusive rights to supply aftermarket spare parts and support existing Caterpillar room and pillar equipment.

The agreement expands on Simmons Equipment’s existing portfolio of soft rock mining equipment and reflects its continued commitment to providing innovative solutions to the global mining market. “We are thrilled to be able to offer these proven solutions to our valued mining customers,” commented Matt Simmons, President, and CEO of Simmons Equipment Company. “We have a rich history in mining machinery, and adding these trusted products to our growing portfolio solidifies our commitment to being a global leader in soft rock mining equipment solutions.”

Denise Johnson, Group President Resource Industries, Caterpillar stated: “We are pleased that mining customers will have access to Caterpillar’s differentiated designs for low seam room and pillar equipment and aftermarket components. Caterpillar and Simmons will work together to ensure a cohesive and orderly transition.”

Caterpillar is also set to exit its underground longwall mining business having signed a preliminary agreement to divest the product line to Germany’s Hauhinco. Subject to the negotiation of a final agreement, that deal is expected to be completed in Q3 2022.