VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has signed a co-operation agreement with CIMM (Centro de Investigación Minera y Metalúrgica), the Chilean Research Centre for Mining and Metallurgy.  VTT says this “research co-operation is also opening new doors for Finnish industrial companies wishing to export their products to the expanding Chilean market.”  

The co-operation will cover issues concerning energy, environmental and water resources management in the mining and metallurgy industries, as well as the development of IT solutions – including measuring instruments – for the field. VTT’s says its “expertise successfully complements the technological know-how of CIMM’s own personnel.” The first project to be launched will be concerned with the development of measuring instruments for pyrometallurgical applications.  

A research centre and subsidiaries with a staff of some 2,500 employees, CIMM, focuses its research activities on mining industry issues. The centre will act as VTT’s partner and representative in the Chilean market. Thanks to its local presence, CIMM will be able to identify the emerging needs of the mining industry and society for which the research partners may together develop and offer new solutions. Energy demand in Chile is growing by 6-7% annually, which has created the need to consider new solutions for energy production.