TEAMWORK A collaborative approach between Metso and Kumba Iron Ore’s project teams ensured the safe delivery of an apron feeder to Sishen mine
Diversified engineering and mining group Metso has delivered a second D9 apron feeder to iron-ore miner Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen mine, in the Northern Cape, to assist the miner in its raw materials conveying processes.
The apron feeder was delivered to the Sishen mine last month, after the miner had requested a fast-track delivery to meet its pressing conveying needs.
The apron feeder is 5.5 m wide, including the head shaft, and is more than 12 m in length, and weighs 108 t when fully assembled.
Normally, Metso assembles and tests the apron feeders at its factory. The machine is subsequently stripped and dismantled for transportation to the client’s site, where it is assembled for operation. However, this process is time-consuming and, because of Kumba’s special request to fast-track delivery, Metso was required to find an innovative way to transport the apron feeder.
A collaborative approach between Metso’s and Kumba’s project teams therefore explored the possibility of lifting the main frame of the apron feeder onto a low-bed trailer. The apron feeder was then fully assembled and tested while still on the trailer.
Before the feeder was delivered to the site, Metso conducted a full detailed study to test the project teams’ logistics solution. The study concluded that the main access gate to Sishen’s processing facilities needed to be modified to accommodate the turning circle of the laden trailer.
Therefore, a team effort from Kumba and Metso was required for a tight assembly programme to be maintained. Despite certain challenges, such as industrial strike action in the mining industry, truck breakdowns and restrictions on the transportation of abnormal loads, the apron feeder was delivered to the Sishen mine three days ahead of schedule.
Apron feeders are used in a range of industries to extract dry, hard and abrasive or wet and sticky material from dump hoppers, bins and stockpiles. They typically discharge into crushers, scalping equipment and conveyors that require control of the feed rate.
Metso manufactures apron feeders with feed rates of 25 t/h to more than 7 000 t/h. The exact width and length of each feeder are selected to meet specific application requirements.
Metso has amassed much experience in the application, engineering and manufacture of heavy-duty apron feeders. Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment installed at a mine are necessary to achieve production goals. Metso will help Kumba maintain the feeders it recently delivered, as part of its service promise to the miner.