Abstract: An apparatus for mining aggregate material from a partially exposed seam adjacent a bench on a surface mine and which extends from the bench at an elevation and angle relative to the bench, The apparatus includes a self-propelled mining machine for dislodging aggregate material from the seam and conveying apparatus that is attached to the self-propelled mining machine for conveying the dislodged material to a location remote from the seam. The apparatus further includes a guidance assembly for selectively orienting the mining machine and the conveying apparatus at a predetermined attack angle that corresponds to the seam angle.