Nalco Water, an Ecolab company, has acquired Flottec in a move that, it says, will expand its flotation offerings and its work to serve the industry from mine to metal.

During the next few months, the company will be integrated into the Global Mining division of Nalco Water, Ecolab’s water and process management business. The company will focus on a smooth transition, ensuring day-to-day operations for customers and suppliers progress as normal, it said.

Headquartered in Houston, Flottec serves the high-growth energy-transition materials segment. The company’s product portfolio helps mineral processing companies respond to growing demand for copper and other metals critical to new-and-renewable-energy markets.

Carlos Cardounel, VP and GM, Global Mining for Nalco Water, said: “Flottec brings a broad portfolio of flotation solutions, along with deep domain expertise, to help Nalco Water expand the value and service that we deliver to our mineral processing customers. The acquisition will combine the complementary business acumen of both Flottec and Nalco Water as we look for innovative ways to serve this growing market.”

Through the acquisition, Nalco Water aims to increase its sales and service presence in key markets to respond to the dynamic needs of mineral processing customers, it said.

Frank Cappuccitti, former CEO of Flottec and current VP, Strategy and Innovation, Global Mining for Nalco Water, said: “Nalco Water has one of the most capable research, marketing, sales and service networks in the global mining industry, along with a fully committed management team. Flottec offers a broad range of specialised products and deep application knowledge of flotation and mineral processing.

“By combining the scale and expertise of Nalco Water’s mining organisation, with the depth of Flottec’s innovation, we can deliver more comprehensive solutions to our combined customer base.”