JZR, in cooperation with the JSW S.A. mines, has developed two types of container handlers that are currently the most in demand. The handlers have different purposes. The first type, container & material handler, is used for loading materials in "euro-pallets," while the other, container & output handler, is used for the transportation of loose materials and mine output.

The construction of the handlers allows the undercarriage to be detached easily from the loaded container, which can than be connected to the suspended monorail system or attached to the transport platform of the railway and transported to the mine face. The containers are equipped with a dumping mechanism, which allows them to initiate automatic unloading following the release of two levers. This transportation system reduces the workload involved in unloading and reloading, and therefore the number of people necessary for the transportation of materials.

“Introducing material transport in container handlers is meant to result in the delivery of materials loaded topside directly to the workstations underground. Crucially, this takes place without any reloading and is directly tied with the mines’ introduction of an underground transport system based on self-propelled suspended monorail, which is intended to replace the out-dated and less safe ropeway system,” said Michał Kapała, the Head Engineer of the JSW Mining Team.

In the coming years Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa will introduce a unified container transportation system in all of its facilities. The container handler, developed by JZR engineers on the basis of the comments and opinions of mine representatives, has received a positive rating from the certification unit and the approval of the State Mining Authority. The first batch, approximately 170 handlers, is already in use in JSW mines.