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Johannesburg - A mining machine called a dragline has been sold for R173m, an auctioneer said on Tuesday.
"The asset was sold during a cleanup of redundant stock," said Ariella Kuper, spokesperson for online mining auction company Clear Asset.
The 3300 ton machine was sold online to mining company Glencore Xstrata.
Due to its size it would not be dismantled, but "walked" to its new destination, at a speed of 100m an hour. The sale was the first of its kind in 15 years.
"The machine is used for excavating the overburden layer above the coal levels deep underground. It is equivalent to the size of a six-storey building," Kuper said.
A new dragline excavator of its size cost over R1bn.
"There is currently up to a two-year waiting list for such a machine. To transport a dragline of this size internationally, without considering re-assembly at its new destination, costs approximately R90m," Kuper said.
"The engine room alone is equal to the size of a small hall and comes equipped with a kitchen."
The company specialises in mining asset disposal on behalf of mining companies such as Anglo Platinum, Anglo Coal, Lonmin, Glencore, Anglo Gold Ashanti, and Diesel Power.
