Austria-based SBM Mineral Processing has developed a new bridge-type bucket wheel reclaimer with applicability in the mining industry, which it says forms part of an expansion in its product portfolio towards the handling of processed bulk materials. “This new product made by SBM is applied wherever economic handling and homogenisation of large volumes of bulk material are of paramount importance….especially targeted at the demands of the extractive industry.” The company said that the new type of reclaimer features exceptionally high loading capacity and high availability. It can handle extreme operating conditions such as ice, snow and frost.

A distributing conveyor puts the processed material, such as bulk minerals with a particle size of 0-8 mm, onto two stockpiles through layering. Then the material is fully reclaimed using an automated system and loaded onto bulk rail cars by means of other conveyors. The SBM reclaimer can stockpile 1,000 t/h at a rail gauge of 58 m and will start operation in Autumn 2013. The new product development is part of a major order SBM received from a mining group in 2012. The company stated: “By expanding the product portfolio in the direction of handling bulk materials for mining, port facilities and steel works industries, SBM intends to open up new customer segments.”

In August 2011, SBM was taken over by the shareholders of the company MFL – Maschinenfabrik Liezen und Gießerei. This take-over was aimed at “using the synergies existing between MFL and SBM to strengthen both brands known for highest possible quality standards in the global market.” In January 2013, this process was successfully completed by integrating MFL’s Mineral Processing Division into SBM. The two groups have been working together, such as on projects where the crusher and electric system are supplied by MFL, with the control system, conveyor belts, chutes and screens provided by SBM.