Highwall mining is an efficient, proven and durable method for mining coal from outcropping horizontal seams — producing an average of 110 000 tonnes (120,000 tons) of coal per month in coal seams up to 300 m (1,000 ft) in seams dipping up to 8 degrees — recovering up to 70 percent of in-place coal. The entire mining cycle is completed by a three- to four-man crew, with no personnel going underground at any time.

The agile, self-propelled Cat^® HW300 Highwall Miner operates on contour benches as narrow as 18 m (59 ft). It trams easily from entry to entry and discharges coal in tight spaces. It can be taken apart in modules for quick location and is designed for rapid disassembly and reassembly.