XCMG Machinery has announced the successful trial of the world’s first vertical milling mining machine, the XVM160, which, the company says, sets a new standard in mining production with its unparalleled capacity and innovative features.

The XVM160 is a world-first in vertical milling mining equipment, boasting the largest single mining area to date at 6 m x 2.5 m and a maximum mining depth of 100 m. This makes it the most powerful mining production equipment currently available, according to XCMG.

“The XVM160 is a game-changer in the potash mining industry, replacing the old horizontal mining methods with a new vertical approach,” the company says. “This ingenious technique uses the equipment’s own weight to crush ore and ensure operational stability. With a milling rotor torque of 4 x 120 kNm and a milling speed of 0-40 rpm, the XVM160 not only boosts the efficiency of stone crushing but also cuts down on energy consumption.”

By adopting a continuous self-sliding transportation method for ore, the XVM160 has successfully replaced the age-old process of horizontal mining and relay transportation, the company explains. This significant shift has led to a substantial reduction in mining costs, with XCMG claiming that the increased mining efficiency offered by the machine can potentially reduce mining costs by around 30%.

It added: “The trial of the XVM160 vertical milling mining machine is a testament to XCMG Machinery’s unwavering commitment to innovation and their supremacy in the worldwide construction machinery market. The company persistently pushes the envelope in mining production, providing solutions that boost productivity, minimize expenses and foster eco-friendly practices.”