Demand Soars For Tough, Reliable Osborn Apron Feeders

February 2008

Orders totalling more than R20-million in the last six months reflect the burgeoning demand for Osborn apron feeders.

Most recently, the Johannesburg-based bulk materials handling and minerals processing equipment specialist has secured orders to supply its robust, high quality apron feeders to Assmang’s new Khumani iron ore mine near Kathu, in the Northern Cape, and to Potgietersrust Platinum Limited’s mine in Limpopo Province. (The operation’s name changed on 1 January 2008 to Rustenburg Platinum Mines – Mogalakwena Division.)

Osborn’s multi-million Rand order for the proposed PPRust Expansion Project is a significant one. Nine apron feeders will be supplied to the 600 ktpm concentrator - one of the largest currently in operation in South Africa.

Osborn secured this significant order based on the outstanding quality of its apron feeders, several of which are already operating successfully at the mine, explains product specialist Francois Scott. “Our long-standing customer Anglo Platinum now has the benefit of interchangeability of parts between the apron feeders.” Twelve apron feeders, previously supplied by Osborn, have been operating successfully at Potgietersrust Platinum for more than 10 years.

Osborn’s R34-million order for the Khumani iron ore mine is for 13 apron feeders for Phase 1 of the new Khumani Mine, situated 20 km from Kathu, towards Postmasburg.

Osborn product specialist Clive St Dare says the customer on this order, Assmang Limited (which is jointly controlled by African Rainbow Minerals and Assore Limited), and DRA Mineral Projects, the engineering company responsible for the project, both recognised Osborn’s reputation as a pioneer in the manufacture of South African apron feeders. “Osborn has a proud history of supplying high quality, locally-manufactured apron feeders that offer low-maintenance, problem-free operation in the most arduous African conditions,” he states.

Osborn’s Khumani Mine order was secured despite competition from other leading suppliers. In addition to supplying the 13 apron feeders, Osborn also assisted the customer with bin layouts for this undertaking.

Prior to securing the Khumani order, Osborn also netted an order from customer Assmang Limited for three machines for the nearby Beeshoek Mine. This significant order represented Osborn’s first for apron feeders for this mine, St Dare adds.

Osborn has also received an order from Assmang for three more apron feeders for the “Khumani Phase 1A” expansion, also being managed by DRA Mineral Projects.

Other apron feeder orders recently awarded to Osborn include machines for Highveld Crushers’ Mapochs Mine and for Bindura Nickle in Zimbabwe. Apron feeders have also been supplied to DRA-Kalbasfontein, Fer-Min-Ore-Highveld Steel, Turco and to Senet Projects, for the Kalsaka Gold Mine.

An order for two apron feeders has been awarded to Osborn by De Beers, for its Finsch Mine, situated near Kimberley, and the firm has secured a large order from Natal Portland Cement for one apron feeder.

“The growth in the mining sector has created a surge in demand for Osborn’s tough, reliable apron feeders,” says marketing director Martin Botha. “Customers are increasingly opting for Osborn’s machines, which combine competitive pricing with exceptional quality.”

Osborn offers a complete range of standard and heavy-duty apron feeders suited to the most arduous operating conditions in the mining and quarrying industries. They are available in a wide range of sizes, from 900mm to 3 500mm wide, to handle heavy, lumpy and abrasive materials, and provide reliable means of controlling the feed rate, to prevent surge loads to primary crushers, belt conveyors and other plant and equipment.

The Osborn Apron Feeder’s reputation for robustness and reliability has also reached foreign shores, and a large, 1,8 m wide x 17 m long D7 Apron Feeder was recently shipped for a coal plant in Turkey.

“Osborn apron feeders enable our customers to choose the models best suited to their requirements,” Botha stresses.

With one of the largest and most modern manufacturing facilities in South Africa, Osborn also offers installation, commissioning, spares, reconditioning and after sales service on its apron feeders and all other equipment.