Scales for coal mining

The Global Energy Monitor estimates 7.2 billion tonnes of coal are mined each year, from 3,670 recorded coal mines across 70 countries. With a focus on sustainability and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the coal mining industry is under pressure – making measurement all the more important.

Our vehicle scales and weighbridges are designed to be tough enough for the harsh conditions found in the coal mining industry. Avery Weigh-Tronix’s train scales allow weighing in motion, ensuring your mine records weight data and keeps on moving. For smaller loads, floor scales and bench scales provide greater degrees of accuracy with the same Avery Weigh-Tronix strength.

A variety of weighing systems are used to measure the quantity of coal extracted from the mines. As well as providing important data about output, inventory, and productivity, weighing equipment for the coal mining industry is also a key part of regulatory compliance

As with any mining operation, the coal extracted from coal mines must be transported to processing plants, storage facilities, or distribution centres. Weighbridges and rail scales can be used to weigh vehicles and ensure that they are not overloaded. A mine will usually need at least one weighbridge before a truck enters the yard, and another one to weigh trucks when they leave the gate. Using unmanned weighbridge systems can help to manage incoming traffic and optimise the process.

Weighing equipment can be used to monitor the quality of coal extracted from different seams or locations within the mine. Using accurate weight data taken from samples, mine operators can evaluate moisture content, ash content, and calorific value. This data can be analysed and used to determine the market value of the coal.

As well as using weighing equipment to monitor production and charge for outgoing loads, the coal mining industry monitors by-products such as waste and coal combustion products (CCPs). CCPs can play an important role in concrete production which is expected to grow as sustainable construction becomes more prominent.

The coal mining industry in the UK sells coal based on weight. Accurate weighing – using weighbridges, rail scales, floor scales, or load cells attached to tanks and hoppers – ensures that both the mining company and the buyer are charged fairly based on the quantity of coal delivered.

With a national focus on sustainability, weighing equipment may also be used for environmental monitoring purposes. Weighing equipment can be used to measure the quantity of coal transported and processed, which can help assess the environmental impact of mining activities and ensure compliance with regulatory limits.