History surface mining

From future vision to recognized technology

Why don’t we apply our know-how gained in asphalt milling to the mining of hard rock? In the mid 70s, this idea triggered the development of a new, economically efficient opencast mining method known as surface mining. What followed was an unparalleled success story, and it was headed by WIRTGEN as the driving force behind it right from the start.

WIRTGEN drives the development of surface mining

1980 marked the birth of the state of-the-art surface mining process – WIRTGEN developed a prototype based on road milling machines, the 3000 SM surface miner. Market entry was accomplished in 1983 when the first machine, a 1900 SM surface miner, was sold. In keeping with market requirements, we then continued to develop ever larger machines for ever higher performance rates.

1980

The 3000 SM prototype is successfully used in coal mining.

1983

The 1900 SM is mining gypsum in South Africa.

1985

The 3500 SM is in operation in the USA, cutting foundations in hard limestone material

1989

WIRTGEN presents prototypes of the 2600 SM for use in coal and limestone mining.

1989

An optimized model of the largest surface miner built to date, the 4200 SM, is produced even today.

1996

Cutting trenches, the 3700 SM simultaneously produces gravel material intended for further use.

1999

WIRTGEN sets up production of the 2500 SM for special operations in hard rock.

2000

The 2100 SM is of modular design and suitable for versatile use in soft to medium- hard rock.

2001

A modified method of depositing the mining material makes the 2100 SM extremely efficient in coal mining.

2009

The optimized 4200 SM is launched in two designs for soft rock and hard rock mining.

2012

WIRTGEN Pick Inspection (WPI) allows measuring of the degree of tool wear and scheduling of maintenance intervals.

2013

For the mining of soft rock, the 2200 SM 3.8 is equipped with a 3.8 m wide cutting drum unit.