Astec's Osborn completes major crusher & feeder order for Kyrgyz Jerooy gold project

Sep 24, 2023

Mining and quarrying equipment specialist Osborn says it is extending its reach into the CIS region, with a successfully completed export order to Kyrgyzstan. The equipment supplied by Osborn has been installed at the country's second-largest gold mine, the Jerooy gold project.

Osborn was awarded this significant order by project management firm Pro-Serve Consulting. The company supplied the new Jerooy plant with a 42 x 16 Osborn vibrating grizzly feeder, a 30 x 42 Osborn jaw crusher, a 38SBS cone crusher and three D4 900 mm x 7,500 mm Osborn apron feeders.

"We are delighted to have partnered with Pro-Serve to supply these high-quality Osborn machines to a new gold mine in a new territory," comments International Sales Manager Douglas Mouton. He notes that this export order to Kyrgyzstan adds impetus to the inroads that Osborn is making in the region, where there is growing demand for Osborn's tough, hard wearing equipment. Previous export orders that Osborn has secured in the region include supplying an Osborn double-toggle jaw crusher to Kazchrome in Kazakhstan, which is among the world's largest chrome exporters.

Mouton adds that there is vast potential for Osborn's robust, high-quality machines in the CIS territories as many of the machines currently operating in this part of the world are old, and the operations struggle with back-up, service, parts and reliability. "Our customers need equipment that can withstand the testing operating conditions in these regions. They are very comfortable working with Osborn, as they are aware of our excellent reputation in this specialised market, based on the number of machines that we have operating successfully in Africa and Russia," he says.

The isolated Jerooy gold mine is situated in a remote location in the mountains in the north of Kyrgyzstan. It is located 60 km from Talas City at between 3,000 and 3,600 m above sea level. "There are significant challenges at this altitude. The challenging operating conditions include extreme cold and diverse temperatures ranging from 22°C in summer to -29°C in winter. Osborn's rugged machines are designed to handle these demands," Mouton expands. Osborn's standard units were supplied for the Jerooy project but are suited for the most demanding mining applications, he stresses.

The equipment delivery time frame was particularly important for Osborn's customer, and Mouton says that the company was committed to on-time delivery and was proud to meet its customer's expectations. Osborn's scope of work was for the supply of the equipment only. An Osborn technician, was, however, on-site for the new plant's commissioning.

Osborn celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019. Since its foundation in 1919, the company has grown and evolved. The company states: "Today, Osborn is recognised as a leading name in global mining and quarry markets and one of South Africa's foremost manufacturers of equipment for these industries. Osborn offers a full range of products, including crushers, feeders and screens, as well as crushing and screening plants. Osborn's experience and expertise encompasses the full manufacturing process, from concept and installation through to commissioning. Osborn's unmatched machines have made their mark around the world, operating successfully in the most arduous conditions."

Osborn is a subsidiary of Astec Industries, Inc. Astec was founded in 1972 with "the vision to apply creative thinking and state-of-the-art technology to traditionally low-tech industries, bolstered by a corporate culture renowned for putting customer service first." It is based in Chattanooga, Tennessee.