OREANDA-NEWS. On September 30, 2008 Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL), one of the leading Russian mining and metals companies, announced the acquisition of three Komatsu AFE 830Е mine dump trucks at its Yakutugol OAO coal mining subsidiary as part of its capital investment program, reported the press-centre of Mechel.

The mine dump trucks, with carrying capacity of 220-tonnes, will be used for overburden transportation. The new mine machinery was acquired in line with Yakutugol OAO’s technical re-equipment program. The cost of the three new machines was approximately US10.0 million (RUR250 million).

The components of the large dump trucks were delivered from the U.S., to the port of Vladivostok, Russia, from which they were railed on special drop-frame cars to Neryungri. The machinery has arrived to Yakutugol this September.

The assembly of the two dump trucks has commenced and is planed to be completed in late October. Currently, there are 24 specialists on the repair and engineering team and technological motor pool engaged in the assembly.

The first dump trucks of 830Е family were put into operation at Yakutugol in 1995. Since then, Yakutugol acquired 28 trucks of this model. Each newly acquired lot of the dump trucks had more advanced engines manufactured by German and U.K. firms, with their capacity having increased from 2300 to 2500 horse power. Most of the truck’s components have been modernized and enhanced with participation of the Yakutugol maintenance specialists. Mileage of some select trucks exceeded one million kilometers over the course of thirteen years of operation at the Neryungri open pit coal mine.

Komatsu mine dump trucks have proven they are capable to withstand the harsh environment of Yakutia. They are distinguished by high technical characteristics and reliable electric installation developed by The General Electric Company. The machines have an enhanced workability, which is accounted for by higher operational speed indicators and technical readiness coefficient, making Komatsu 830Е dump trucks 30% more efficient than the ones of BelAZ.