Striking rich seam in China

Mining equipment and cutting systems specialist Hydra Mining Tools International has joined forces with Taiyuan Mining Machinery Group to expand into in China.

Hydra Mining chief executive Gordon McShannon, says the company, with operations in Rotherham and Doncaster, needed to make a strategic move to China if it was to expand.

“The joint venture will enable us to penetrate the Chinese coal market and secure jobs in South Yorkshire,” said Mr McShannon.

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“UK mining is dwindling with only six pits now in operation, so we needed to look overseas to sustain the workforce and maintain our viability.”

China mines more than two billion tonnes of coal a year, compared with 20m tonnes in the UK, and is the biggest coal mining market in the world.

“The industry in China is 100 times bigger than in the UK, so we needed to obtain a foothold.

“We believe our technology will be good for the Chinese market, increasing productivity and improving health and safety standards and helping Hydra to secure the future of the company in South Yorkshire,” said Mr McShannon.

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Hydra Mining exports to more than 20 countries. The joint venture will make it one of the main exporters to China.

Hydra launched its Chinese venture with a 50,000 loan from the South Yorkshire Investment Fund and support from Barclays Bank.

Fund chief executive, Tony Goulbourn, said: “The investment made by SYIF will reinforce Hydra’s position as one of the leading players in the world for the design and manufacture of shearer drums and proprietary cutting systems for use in the deep coal mining industry. The success of the venture in China will have a positive affect on the workforce in South Yorkshire.”

Hydra Mining Tools HQ is in Rotherham, where it makes carbide mineral cutting tools, tool holders, cutting chains, conveyor rollers and related components.

Its Doncaster factory specialises in fabricating shearer drums, miner drums and cutting heads.