The ATB surface mine provides the majority of the employment in this part of Shanxi Province.  It exploits coal seams up to 16m thick and exports to countries such as Korea, Japan, Malaysia and, rather curiously, Finland.  Started in the mid-80's by an American company, the mine is now domestically owned and run, although much of the heavy plant is imported.   

Part of the 16+m coal seam at the base of the mine

One of the huge electric shovels used to rip off the overburden

A 150+ ton Caterpillar truck (with Brian at the wheel)

The ATB plane that flies between Pingshuo and Beijing every week day

(My parents are aboard on this photo!)

The Elmers in China Photo Gallery produced by Richard Elmer.   If you have any comments or want to use any photos, drop me a line!  Revised: 16 Jul 2007 09:42:23 +0100.