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Since the 1980s, GMA Garnet Group (GMA), a company that mines, processes, exports and distributes the highest quality garnet globally, has relied on a fleet of machines from Volvo Construction Equipment (Volvo CE) to handle their operations in North Geraldton, Western Australia. 

GMA purchased their very first Volvo CE machine in 1989. Since then they have added 19 machines over the past 30 years, including the first L350H wheel loader and the first EC950E excavator in Australia. 

With the A60H articulated hauler, the L350H wheel loader and the EC950E excavator in its fleet, GMA is the first Australian company to operate Volvo´s biggest machines in the same site.  The company currently operates Volvo L350H wheel loaders in the processing plant to load garnet ore into hoppers and tailings onto trucks. While they use the EC950E excavator to excavate product out of the ground and onto the trucks.

As the largest crawler excavator from Volvo CE, the 90-ton EC950E is a ground breaker in its class. With a knockout bucket breakout force of 478 kN and an arm tearout force of 420 kN, the heavy-duty excavator offers superior digging force, when working with hard and heavy materials. The crawler excavator also offers quick cycle times thanks to the enhanced hydraulics system which increases pump power for a fast and smooth operation. The EC950E is built for demanding applications and comes with protected components, including a heavy-duty boom and arm and a strong frame structure. Featuring a wide track gauge, long track length, retractable undercarriage, and an optimized counterweight there is no environment too challenging for this solid machine.

Including the A60H, the L350H and the EC950E, GMA is currently running a fleet of six Volvo CE machines. The company also uses the A45G, together with the A60H for carting garnet ore from various pits to the plant and loading waste from the plant to pits. The team say the addition of Volvo's largest hauler, the A60H, has increased their productivity due to the extra payload. 

Moving upwards of 10,000 tons of materials per day, the ability to maximise operator productivity is essential. GMA's operators say they appreciate the ergonomic layout of the instruments and controls in the cab, making it more comfortable and reducing fatigue. The new Volvo EC950E features a spacious cab, with a low noise environment and greater comfort.  

Established in the early 1980s, GMA started along the coast in Port Gregory where geologists found small deposits of garnet. The company is now the world's largest and most advanced garnet mining and processing operation with its headquarters in Perth, Western Australia. GMA supplies garnet abrasive to the waterjet cutting and protective coating industries. 

GMA purchased their fleet of Volvo CE machines from CJD Equipment (CJD), Volvo CE's dealer partner in Australia. For over 30 years the CJD team have supported GMA and their knowledge of equipment requirements are what has helped build this relationship to what it is today.