Bens Creek Group plc (AIM:BEN), the North American metallurgical coal mine owner serving the steel industry, is pleased to announce that, following the company’s statement on March 23, 2023, a second highwall miner (“HWM”) has arrived, been assembled, and begun operations.
HWM unit no. 77 began arriving in disassembled parts at the company’s site around eight weeks ago. Initially, infrastructure delivery faced delays, and even after assembly, HWM 77’s software and associated electronics couldn’t achieve a satisfactory operational state. Despite the persistent efforts of Mega Highwall Mining LLC (“Mega HWM”), the company’s highwall mining contractor, obtaining certain electrical components proved impossible, making the necessary work unachievable. Consequently, Bens Creek and Mega HWM agreed that a replacement highwall miner was the sole viable option.
Mega HWM promptly located another available highwall miner, unit 81, which they transported to the company’s site on May 1, 2023. The machine was assembled and tested by May 4, 2023, and is set to be fully operational today.
Adam Wilson, Bens Creek’s Chief Executive Officer, remarked:
“Although we are disappointed by the considerable time spent on an ultimately unusable highwall miner, we are thrilled with Mega HWM’s swift response to rectify the issue. We can now move forward rapidly toward full production and fulfill our commitment to our shareholders.”
