Hitachi EX5600 excavator introduced at New Acland Mine Stage 3
New Acland Coal’s (NAC) new Hitachi EX5600 excavator has allowed New Hope Group to accelerate mining activity at New Acland Mine Stage 3 in Queensland.
The excavator began work in late June and it’s New Acland Coal’s biggest capital spend since the Queensland Government assessed and approved the Stage 3 project in late 2022.
NAC general manager Dave O’Dwyer says the Hitachi EX5600 is the big-brother to the Hitachi EX3600 which has been responsible for the bulk of the earthmoving work at the mine over the past 18 months.
“The addition of the Hitachi EX5600 excavator to our mining fleet will fast-track the ramp-up on site,” he said.
“In February, we secured all-weather access to Willeroo Pit, facilitating the expansion of Stage 3. The Ex5600 excavator will help make the expansion a reality.
“It weighs more than 600t and has a bucket capacity of 34m2, which is equivalent to the size of a small truck.”
Containing more than 500mt of coal, the New Acland coal mine lies 35km northwest of Toowoomba in Queensland and is operated by New Acland Coal, a subsidiary of New Hope Group.
New Hope Group purchased the mine in 1999 and for the past 25 years it has economically contributed to the Darling Downs region.
Operations at New Acland began in 2002 with the mine officially opening in March 2003. It expanded to stage two in 2005 and by 2012 it produced 5.09mtpa of thermal coal.
