(08/04/09)

Miner Provides Cutting Edge Ballast Systems To Brazil Based Mining Corporation, Vale

Geneva, IL – Miner Enterprises, Inc. has been chosen by Vale, the Brazilian multinational mining corporation to supply AggreGate® ballast discharge systems for their ballast wagons. The state-of-the-art air-powered dual cylinder AggreGate® system was specified for the order, demonstrating Miner’s international reach and reputation for high-quality freight car components around the world.

“The rail industry has truly become global,” said Bill O’Donnell, Miner's Director of International Sales. “Our customers could be in Nebraska or Brazil and their needs are exactly the same: they are looking for total engineering—top to bottom—solutions and products that meet their needs. Since this will be the first car that Amsted Maxion, the Brazilian railcar manufacturer builds with our AggreGate® unloading system we will be sending a technical team on behalf of Miner to Brazil to ensure that these cars meet all of Vale’s expectations.”

The air-powered AggreGate® ballast discharge system on each of Vale’s new cars have the capability, through dual cylinder technology, to independently unload on the inside and outside of the rail using a cutting-edge remote control system. The large door openings allow for faster discharge and the guillotine gate doors open and close immediately at bridges and crossings —shearing through solid rock with the touch of a button. Additionally, the remote control will allow the operator to safely select individual cars and specific gates from a distance for accurate and highly efficient ballasting.

Through innovative componentry like the air-powered AggreGate® system, and globe-trekking, knowledgeable service teams, Miner continues to lead the way in freight car outfitting—providing total engineering solutions meeting the needs of fabricators and customers around the world.