Types Of Mining Machinery
The mining industry runs on scale, reliability and the right machinery for the job. From massive iron ore mines in the Pilbara to underground coal seams in the Hunter, the choice of mining machinery can make or break production targets.
With decades of on-site experience, National Group knows what works where it counts. In this post, we break down the key types of machinery for mining — and how they keep Australia’s biggest projects moving.
Surface mining machinery
Ultra-class excavators
When it comes to moving serious tonnes, ultra-class excavators lead the charge. Think of Liebherr R 9800s or Hitachi EX8000s — giants capable of shifting hundreds of tonnes of material every hour. These machines tackle overburden removal and ore extraction with relentless efficiency, keeping production lines fed in some of the country’s largest open-cut operations.
Haul trucks
Once the earth is dug, it must be moved quickly and in volume. Enter the haul truck fleet: workhorses like Caterpillar or Komatsu units. These trucks handle payloads upwards of 200 tonnes per load, ferrying material to crushers, stockpiles or waste dumps around the clock. Autonomous haulage is no longer theory, either. Major operators now deploy driverless trucks to boost safety and cut idle time.
Wheel loaders and dozers
Wheel loaders are the multitaskers of the pit — cleaning up, loading stockpiles and feeding crushers with precision. Dozers, meanwhile, keep sites operating smoothly. The CAT D11 is a mining icon for a reason; it clears benches, maintains haul roads and assists with reclamation. When you’re moving thousands of BCMs (bank cubic metres) a day, these machines are the backbone that keeps everything flowing.
National Group takes this a step further with satellite bulk dozer technology. By integrating semi-autonomous dozers, large volumes of overburden can be pushed more efficiently, particularly in remote or 24/7 operations where precision and consistency matter most.
Underground mining machinery
Continuous miners and shuttle cars
In coal mines, continuous miners carve through seams with minimal disruption. This approach is vital in underground operations where traditional drilling and blasting aren’t practical. Shuttle cars transport cut material from the face to the conveyor system, keeping output steady and minimising manual handling risks.
Longwall equipment
Longwall mining has revolutionised coal production in Australia’s underground sites. Hydraulic roof supports and powerful shearers extract entire panels with remarkable efficiency, reducing exposure and boosting safety. Companies trust this method for its high recovery rates and consistent output, especially in New South Wales coal basins.
Drilling and blasting equipment
Blast hole drills
When scale is everything, blast hole drills deliver. These rigs bore precise, deep holes in benches to prepare for blasting — a critical step that sets the tone for the entire excavation process. High-capacity models can drill multiple metres in tough rock conditions, ensuring fragmentation is efficient and haulage stays on schedule.
Rockbreakers
Oversized boulders can choke production fast. That’s where rockbreakers come in, mounted on excavators or stationary pedestals at crushing circuits. They reduce oversized material to keep crushers running smoothly. They might look simple, but these machines protect downstream gear from blockages that can stall operations and chew through maintenance budgets.
Support and ancillary equipment
Service trucks
Even the best fleet is only as good as its maintenance. Service trucks are critical in remote mining as they deliver fuel, lubrication, parts and tools directly to machinery in the pit. This keeps heavy equipment like excavators and trucks turning over shift after shift without long idle times.
Water carts and graders
More than a regulatory box-tick, dust suppression is vital for safe, efficient haul roads. Water carts control dust and keep road conditions stable. Graders follow suit by maintaining haul routes, bench roads and pit floors to extend tyre life and cut fuel costs for haul trucks. These “unsung heroes” keep operations flowing in the background, day in, day out.
Equip your project with proven mining machinery
From giant excavators and autonomous dozers to service trucks and drilling rigs, mining success relies on the right machinery and the right people behind it. With decades on the ground, National Group delivers end-to-end equipment solutions built for scale, safety and performance.
If you’re looking to expand your fleet or need mining machinery for hire or sale, talk to us today. Explore our full range of mining services and discover how National Group keeps Australia’s biggest projects moving.
