Mining Equipment Key Terms

Learn the ABCs of mining equipment

By Gail_Roberts

Mining equipment is part of a giant industry with its own product names, definition and terms. If you're in the industry or planning a career working with mining equipment, understanding some key terms will make your job go smoother and your research quicker. If you're shopping for mining equipment, get familiar with specifications and regulations that your equipment must meet to be compliant. Equipment such as electric shovels, roof bolters, scaling machines and conveyors are key pieces of technology for miners. The Mine Safety and Health Administration and the MINExpo INTERNATIONAL also play a significant role in the mining-equipment field.

Electric shovel

An electric shovel is a large piece of equipment that has a boom or crane with a digging bucket, or dipper, attached to it used to excavate material that is above the area to be mined.
Try: P&H Mining Equipment lists details and benefits of its company's electric shovel.

Roof bolters

Roof bolters are machines that install roof bolts in underground mines, making the mining area safer from cave-ins.
Try: J. H. Fletcher & Co. provides photos of roof bolters for industrial mineral mining.

Scaling machines

Scaling machines, also called mine scalers, are vehicles with a long reach that remove loose rock and debris so they don't fall on miners.
Try: Gradall Industries provides information, working photos, specs and demos of its mine scalers.

Conveyors

Conveyors transfer mined materials, such as coal or minerals, out of the mining area to be processed. There are different types of conveyors, such as stackable, over-land, over-water and portable conveyors.
Try: MASABA Mining Equipment has many photos of conveyors. Kentucky Foundation has a brief definition of conveyors.

MINExpo INTERNATIONAL

MINExpo INTERNATIONAL is a huge expo that exhibits all the newest mining equipment, technology and suppliers. The expo also conducts educational sessions to give attendees valuable information and training on mining equipment.
Try: MINExpo INTERNATIONAL has exhibitor listings, video highlights and photos available for review.

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is a part of the United States Department of Labor. MSHA issues regulations for mining equipment and other mining aspects to ensure the safety of miners. It also enforces compliance with these standards.
Try: See the compliance guides pertaining to mining equipment, including diesel-powered machinery, at MSHA.