History of ABMEC
In 1938, there were several associations in the UK, formed by the mining equipment manufacturers to establish safety standards for equipment used in the underground coal mining industry.
In 1978, these associations combined to form ABMEC, with a view to continuing the development of standards internationally. The mandate was also to assist member companies increase their export of mining equipment, predominantly within the coal mining sector.
In the late 1970s and early 1980s there were approximately 120 independent member companies and the then National Coal Board (NCB) dominated their equipment supply business.
The UK has seen a dramatic decline in its indigenous coal mining industry from over 600 operational coal mines to the present when there are less than 10. This market reduction forced the member companies to change their strategy to be export-led rather than relying on the UK market.
By 2018, ABMEC’s members recognised the increasing importance of networking and contacts within the mining industry, with service providers and educational establishments, as well as equipment manufacturers proving valuable members. Hence, in 2019, the Strategy Committee agreed to drop the acronym (Association of British Mining Equipment Manufacturers) altogether in order to reflect the profile of its members more accurately.
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