The Famur Group's specialised plants in Poland develop longwall systems, roadheading systems, underground and surface transport systems, open-pit mining machines, as well as equipment for mass transport and material handling.

The company is also involved in the Polish government's Responsible Development Strategy and has been helping modernise the Polish mining industry.

The aim of the new partnership is to explore and develop innovative technologies, through which the position of the two partners is strengthened in the mining sector in Poland and abroad.

Bartosz Bielak, vice-president of FAMUR, said: "The beginning of cooperation with ABB, a leader in technological area of robotics and motion, industrial automation and power grids, enables both partners to use the potential of joined competences, know-how and experience in real terms.

"It means sharing knowledge and analysing particular technological solutions that, through producing new machines, equipment and intelligence systems, the comprehensiveness of the offer and its added value will be expanded."

Jussi Rautee, ABB's head of robotics and motion division in Poland, commented: "ABB is excited and looking forward to continue our strong collaboration with Famur Group in Poland, and I am convinced that we have a great opportunity together to drive productivity and energy efficiency improvements to entire mining industry in Europe and all over the world."

As part of the agreement the companies will prepare a detailed plan of common activities and define the principles of the cooperation and conditions for the participation in common future trade projects implemented for domestic and foreign clients.