NLC revives 30-year-old bucket wheel excavator

Neyveli Lignite Corporation Ltd (NLC) has revived a Bucket Wheel Excavator, which has been in service in its Mine-I for the past 30 years. B Surender Mohan, chairman and managing director, NLC, commissioned the machinery at the specialised mining equipment erection yard of Mine-I.

The excavator was supplied by erstwhile Buckau wolf Germany (presently Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions, (TKIS) Germany).

It has completed 30 years of life with 1,24,000 total working hours in the excavation of overburden/lignite.

The rejuvenation programme was taken up with the assistance of TKIS at a cost of Rs 45 crore. The reconditioned machinery is expected to work for another 15 years.