21/10/2026
Queensland's Foxleigh coal mine has made a major investment in its mining fleet, introducing 26 brand-new Caterpillar 793 Next Generation haul trucks as the operation transitions toward an owner-mining model.
Located approximately 12 kilometres south of Middlemount in the Bowen Basin, Foxleigh has been producing coal since 1999.
The mine, operated by QMetco, produces approximately three million tonnes of premium low-volatile PCI metallurgical coal annually, primarily supplying international steelmakers.
The new trucks, supplied by Caterpillar dealer Hastings Deering, belong to the 240-tonne payload class and represent a substantial investment in the mine's future.
Unlike conventional contractor-operated arrangements, owner-mining gives the operator greater direct control over its equipment, production schedules and operating costs.
The transition also brings considerable maintenance requirements. Hastings Deering is providing on-site support, including diesel fitters working seven-day rotating rosters.
According to QMetco chief executive Andrew Boyd, the new fleet has already delivered a significant improvement in productivity, as reported by media Australian Mining.
Interestingly, the Foxleigh delivery forms part of a much larger equipment program involving 57 Cat 793 trucks supplied by Hastings Deering to two Bowen Basin operations.
The other 31 trucks went to Stanmore Resources' South Walker Creek mine.
For Caterpillar, it's another substantial fleet commitment in one of Australia's most important coal-producing regions.
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