High-efficiency flameproof explosion-protected electric motor systems designed to withstand harsh underground mining environments across New South Wales and Queensland.
Australia hosts one of the most technologically advanced and strictly regulated mining sectors globally. From the massive open-cut iron ore mines in Western Australia’s Pilbara region to the complex underground coal fields in Queensland’s Bowen Basin and New South Wales' Hunter Valley, operational demands on electrical rotating machinery are exceptionally high.
Equipment deployed in these environments faces extreme ambient temperatures, abrasive iron and coal dust, and corrosive moisture. The primary requirement is robust reliability under continuous load, paired with strict compliance with Australian safety standards, such as the AS/NZS 60079 series. Any downtime of conveyor systems, dewatering pumps, or coal cutters costs thousands of dollars per minute, making high-spec heavy machinery engineering essential.
Shaanxi Nanfang Motor Technology Co., Ltd. is the authorized global distributor for Wolong Electric Drive Group. Since 1984, Wolong has acquired several historic electric motor brands, blending European engineering heritage with robust production capabilities.
In 2011, Wolong acquired 97.94% of the Austrian **ATB Group**, establishing control over key European manufacturers including Morley and Laurence Scott. This strategic integration brought advanced thermal modeling and low starting current designs to our global product catalog.
Morley Motors: With a 130-year legacy in British underground coal mines, Morley is synonymous with high-spec, wet-atmosphere flameproof mining motors. Their heavy-duty mechanical designs are widely respected across underground coal operations in North America, China, and Australia.
Laurence Scott: Specializing in custom mid-to-high voltage machines, Laurence Scott supplied heavy motors for UK nuclear projects and low-starting-current propulsion systems for naval vessels. This heavy engineering background supports our current range of high-capacity slurry pump and fan drives.
Schorch (Germany): Founded in 1882, Schorch specializes in customized heavy-duty drive systems for oil & gas, chemicals, and large-scale infrastructure. Their engineering principles guide our current series of positive-pressure and high-voltage machines.
Brook Crompton: Recognized globally for premium efficiency designs, Brook Crompton motors are widely used in auxiliary systems, high-temperature fans, and marine environments, offering robust mechanical construction and energy-saving performance.
Nanyang Explosion Protection (CNE) & General Electric (GE): The integration of CNE, China’s primary explosion-proof motor research base, alongside the acquisition of GE Industrial Motors in 2018, strengthened Wolong's position in global hazardous area motor design and manufacturing.
Operating machinery in hazardous areas requires strict adherence to international safety standards. Our manufacturing sites are ISO 9001 certified, and our explosion-proof motors hold worldwide Ex certifications, including **ATEX, IECEx, and CSA**.
For the Australian market, our products comply with local coal mining safety standards through **TestSafe Australia** testing. TestSafe certification ensures our flameproof and explosion-proof motors are approved for underground coal operations and dangerous surface environments across Australia.
Furthermore, our compliance with NEMA standards for mechanical performance, insulation resistance, efficiency, and starting current is verified by third-party testing organizations like UL and CSA.
Nemko/ATEX
CSA Group
CE Mark
CCC Ex
SABS Approved
TestSafe Ex d
An inside look at the materials, processing, and assembly technologies that provide our motors with reliability and efficiency in heavy-duty applications.
Our stator coils are constructed from premium copper wire insulated with polyester film and reinforced glass-cloth mica tape. Using a Vacuum Pressure Impregnation (VPI) process with low-powder mica tape, the stator core is sealed against moisture, dust, and vibration, providing high dielectric strength and Class H thermal stability.
For low-voltage and high-torque motors, centrifugal and die-cast aluminum squirrel-cage rotors provide reliable, single-piece structural integrity. For larger high-voltage applications, copper bar rotors with robust brazed end-rings and high-speed retaining bands ensure reliability under high thermal stress and cyclic loads.
Our motor frames are engineered using finite element analysis (FEA) to balance thermal dissipation with mechanical strength. Constructed from high-tensile cast iron or steel, these frames feature deep cooling fins, rigid mounting feet, and structural margins designed to withstand impact and vibration from heavy mining machinery.
The cooling system features an aerodynamic, bi-directional fan, low-noise cowl, and integrated silencer plate. This layout minimizes acoustic emissions and protects against dust entry, maintaining IP22/IP55 compliance and cooling efficiency in high-ambient environments.
Bringing smart manufacturing, short lead times, and engineering flexibility to Australian mining operations.
Modern mining operations require quick turnaround times for custom equipment. Our Chinese factories utilize **Industry 4.0 smart manufacturing technologies**, integrating robotic winding, automated VPI chambers, and CNC machining centers to ensure consistent build quality.
By using digital twins and automated testing benches, we can simulate motor performance under site conditions before delivery. This precision manufacturing system, combined with our logistics network, helps reduce lead times for custom motors compared to traditional supply lines.
With rising electricity costs and carbon emissions reduction goals, Australian mining operations are shifting toward high-efficiency motors. Our permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) and variable-speed drive (VSD) systems achieve **IE4 and IE5 efficiency levels**.
These permanent magnet drives operate efficiently across a wide speed range, making them suitable for conveyors, ventilation fans, and slurry pumps, helping operators reduce overall energy consumption.
Specific drive solutions designed for common mining applications across Australia's main mineral provinces.
Equipped with high-efficiency ATB and Morley series motors, our conveyor drives handle high radial loads and high temperatures. They feature IP66 sealing to protect against fine red iron ore dust.
Designed for coal face extraction, our flameproof, water-cooled cutting and shearer motors deliver high starting torque in confined underground spaces, meeting Australian Group I Ex d coal mining requirements.
Our high-voltage YZYKS positive pressure and wet-wound water pump motors drive deep-shaft dewatering pumps and tailing slurry systems, offering moisture resistance and continuous operational capabilities.
Common questions from Australian mine electrical engineers, asset planners, and procurement managers.
Explore our range of heavy-duty induction and permanent magnet synchronous motors designed for Australian mining, processing, and marine applications.
NANFANG
