The rental-type purchase arrangements allow for operators to turn equipment capital expense into an operating expense, and are being touted as a new way to get equipment onto a minesite.

The option will initially apply to Kopex’s 2011SS shuttle car, KTW200 roadheader and KFB2012 feeder-breaker.

Kopex is offering rent-to-own in conjunction with United Finance Mining Equipment which says the arrangement is designed for mine managers who have autonomy when renting expensive items of mobile plant – but have to obtain board approval when looking to make even modest equipment purchases.

“Typically the mining industry has either purchased capital equipment outright or rented it from third parties,” United general manager Chris Spence said.

“More flexible purchase options have not been commonly used in the past and we are looking to offer an easily understood arrangement that keeps the equipment off-balance sheet for the duration of the finance period – then it becomes owned by the mine for a very modest final payment.”

Spence and others from United Finance Mining Equipment will be on the Kopex Group stand throughout QME to talk about a range of equipment financing options for mining companies.

QME 2012 is on from July 24-26 at Mackay Showgrounds, Queensland.