Abstract: In a mineral mining machine of the shearer drum cutter loader type, a system for supplying water at the required pressures includes an intensifier to which in use mine supply water is fed, the pressure being enhanced in the high pressure chambers and the high pressure water being fed to jets on the end of the cutting drum. Water exhausting from the low pressure chambers is fed to the dust and frictional sparking suppression sprays arrayed along the surface of the cutting drum. The method of the invention consists of generating in a simple and effective manner the requisite water pressures utilizing an existing main supply.

Abstract: The machine comprises a rotatable cutting head and a high pressure water nozzle. The nozzle directs a jet of high pressure (up to 2,100 kg/cm.sup.2) water at the rock adjacent the cutting head. The jet of water provides an auxiliary cutting and breaking action, thus easing the load on the head. The water jet also suppresses dust formation.