Cross-Pit spreader selected by computer for new surface mine

The Texas lignite fields probably have the best potential in the country for new and extensive surface mining operations. They are also becoming receptive ground for innovative mining schemes. North American Coal Corp. (NACCO), which currently holds reserves in conjunction with Getty Oil Co. of over 570 million tons of mineable lignite, is considering using a team consisting of bucketwheel excavators (BWEs) and cross-pit spreader (XPS) to strip upper strata at one of the two pits at a proposed new mine. It will use a conventional truckshovel fleet to strip the upper strata at the second pit. This advanced stripping method, never tried in the United States, is also being considered for the proposed new multi-seam Trinity mine to be located on a 38,000-acre tract east of Dallas.