Rudnik Uglja relies on Hitachi for maximum productivity

The only coal mine in Montenegro (operated by Rudnik Uglja AD) has invested in Hitachi EX1200-6 and EX2600-6 large excavators in order to help it fulfil its demanding quota. Both machines were supplied by Hitachi’s authorised local dealer West Balkans Machinery d.o.o. and are contributing to the production of up to two-million tonnes of coal annually.  

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Rudnik Uglja is situated near the town of Pljevlja, and 92% of its output is used at a nearby thermal power plant. In 2018, the mine issued a tender for two new mining excavators, before deciding to invest in Hitachi machinery, with the EX2600-6 delivered in December 2018 and EX1200-6 arriving five months later.

“We chose Hitachi, because we were satisfied by the balance of technical quality, performance and cost-effectiveness,” explains Rudnik Uglja’s Director of Development and Investment Dane Čamdžić.

Enhanced stability

The Hitachi EX1200-6 removes coal and overburden, loads the mine’s rigid dump trucks and is also used for general earthworks when required. “I have operated many different brands of excavator, but nothing has ever been as stable as the EX1200-6,” says its operator Sead Junuz.

“The stability is upheld by the wide tracks, and due to its power, durability and reliability, the EX1200-6 is ideal for the type of work we do here. The whole excavator has been cleverly designed in terms of its dimensions and layout, and the fill rates of the bucket are fantastic.”

A smooth operation

The Hitachi EX2600-6 is fitted with an external cable power supply and a three-phase induction electric motor, and is predominantly removing overburden. The excavator is also equipped with a 16.5m3 face shovel bucket, which was a specific request from Rudnik Uglja during the tender process. 

The EX2600-6’s operator Milorad Terzić has been impressed by the electric excavator: “The machine has certain advantages over diesel models: the overall maintenance is easier and there is less likelihood of it having a failure. Inside the cab, the monitor is informative, the controls are intuitive and the view is excellent.”    

High availability

Since it was delivered, the EX2600-6 has worked over 4,000 hours and the two Hitachis have quickly become an important part of Rudnik Uglja’s production cycle. “The Hitachi excavators are helping us to achieve our quota and the machine data speaks for itself,” confirms Dane.

“In the first nine months of operation, the two machines have been involved in 30% of our overall production and their availability rates have been as high as 98%. The EX1200-6 and EX2600-6 are flexible and mobile, as well as having fast operating cycles when loading. They are truly reliable and highly productive machines.”