Abstract: An automated burner for channelling a mineral body, including, a guide shaft assembly having a guide shaft adapted to receive a burner staff for reciprocal movement. A first drive means is connected to the burner staff and is operative to reciprocally move the staff through a positive stroke in one direction and a gravity urged stroke in the opposite direction. A first control means is associated with the first drive means to reverse the direction of the reciprocal movement upon completion of positive stroke, upon completion of a gravity urged stroke and upon premature cessation of a gravity urged stroke. A second drive means connected to the guide shaft to impart oscillating motion thereto. So that the burner head is moved with a simultaneous reciprocating and oscillating movement through controlled cycles.