Cooke Plains Gypsum

Featuring Metso Lokotrack ST3.5 2 deck screen and Metso CT3.2 Lokotrack stockpiling conveyor

In the late 1980’s Gypsum leases near east from Tailem Bend in SA were purchased by Norm and his son Preston Paterson. Preston was managing both the Mine and Transport businesses at that time and the company was given the name ‘Cooke Plains
Gypsum’.

With an array of heavy machinery being used to break away at the mine face, screen then load, as well as carrying out the rehabilitation activities, Norm’s son Preston has grown and developed the business further, including the expansion to include a fleet of trucks for road delivery.

Norm retired in 1991 and now Preston’s son, Sam being the 3rd generation to work the business, has been instrumental in developing the business again with the bagging of products and its blends. Central to the ongoing high performance of Cooke Plains Gypsum, has been the production screening operations which has seen its most recent mobile plant upgrade and replacement to a Metso Lokotrack ST3.5 2 deck screen and Metso CT3.2 Lokotrack stockpiling conveyor, purchased from Tutt Bryant Equipment.

The Metso ST3.5 incorporates a new type of cooling system enabling the unit to work at higher ambient temperatures and, also has the most efficient hydraulic system available leading to a significantly lower fuel consumption. The highest throw in class (9 mm) maximizes efficiency and resistance to sticky materials. ALL mesh panels are identical both top and bottom.

The CT3.2 Conveyor is of folded plate construction with diesel hydraulic drive and variable speed control. It incorporates all characteristic Metso premium quality components, adjustable feed and discharge height, centrally located remote greasing of head and tail bearings, remote dog lead control and strategically positioned ballast weights allowing for the repositioning of the unit while fully elevated.

The mine currently operates all year round with peak season being between December and April.