Using Cat longwall roof supports, AFC and stage loader, the mine has repeatedly set Russian longwall production records. Caterpillar stated that the new equipment is designed to continue that legacy.

Caterpillar Global Mining facilities in Luenen, Germany will manufacture the high-capacity system, and Vostochnaya Technika UK (VT), the Cat dealer in the region, will deliver and support it. Delivery is scheduled for March 2016.

The new hardware includes a PF6/1142 AFC with a length of 306m. Three Cat CST gearboxes will be powered by three motors of 750kW each. The Cat stage loader type is PF6/1342 with a conveyor length of 29m, powered by a 200/400kW drive system. Crusher motor power is 400kW. A belt return unit is also part of the package.

Kotinskaya’s current longwall is equipped with two-leg Cat shields, each with a width of 1.75m and support capacity of 725t. With an operating range of 2.2-4.8m, the supports are used in a seam that is typically slightly more than 4m thick. The mine currently produces about 3Mt/y of coal.