Tag Archives: Sami Takaluoma

Metso opens its largest service centre in Karratha, Western Australia

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , ,

Metso says it has opened its largest service centre globally in Karratha, Western Australia, aiming to support the growing demand of customers’ needs, delivering more sustainable, state-of-the-art services to operators in the state.

Located in the Pilbara, the centre serves mining and aggregates customers with comprehensive maintenance and repair solutions, it said. The inauguration ceremony was held today on March 21, 2024.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Services business area, Metso, said: “The opening of the new centre is an important milestone and further proof of our commitment to accelerate strategic investments in serving customers from pit to port. Strengthening our presence to offer increased productivity, shorter lead times and environmental advantages will allow us to take service capabilities and customer experience to the next level.”

The Karratha Service Center, backed by an investment totaling approximately €32 million ($34.9 million), spans a 35,000 sq.m area, including a workshop covering 5,000 sq.m.

Equipped with high-capacity cranes, CNC machines, a heat treatment furnace, welding facilities and assembly stations, this centre has received significant customer support, Metso says. It will be able to service a wide range of heavy mining equipment, including crushers, screens, mills, HIG mills, high pressure grinding rolls and car dumpers, among others.

The centre also contributes to customers’ sustainability goals. By extending the operating life of assets, increasing energy and water efficiency and minimising plant downtime, Metso helps customers in achieving their environmental and safety objectives, it says. Further, by reducing the need for long-haul freight between Perth and the Pilbara region, the centre reduces carbon emissions and offers faster access to critical spare parts. This not only benefits the environment but also enhances operational efficiency.

Stuart Sneyd, President, Asia Pacific, Metso, said: “This is a long-term and significant commitment to the Pilbara region and the communities here. We are extremely pleased that our local customers are already expressing considerable interest and confidence in our services. Metso has a significant installed base of equipment and a strong reputation in Asia Pacific; every day over 900 processing plants rely on Metso’s technology. By utilising Metso’s service knowhow and expertise, genuine parts, exact materials and OEM specifications, customers will achieve significant business and sustainability benefits.”

The Karratha Service Center features a dedicated training facility, offering tailored programs to enhance the technical expertise of mining professionals, Metso says. The centre will provide long-term stable employment to skilled personnel from the local communities, including trades, service engineers and experts. An apprenticeship program targeting the local community is also planned for the centre. In Asia Pacific alone, Metso contributes to the creation of more than 1,250 jobs, which will be further strengthened with the opening of the Karratha Service Centre.

EV Metals Group and Metso to build lithium chemicals plant in Saudi Arabia

Energy minerals, Environmental, Mineral project development, Mining services, , , , , ,

EV Metals Group plc (EVM), a global battery chemicals and technology company, has signed a technical partnership frame agreement with Metso for a Lithium Chemicals Plant (LCP) to be built in Yanbu Industrial City in Saudi Arabia.

The agreement signed at the Future Minerals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, outlines plans to engage Metso as EVM’s Technical Partner. Metso will provide technical, operational, maintenance and systems support to achieve best-in-class operational performance and asset management.

Metso will provide technical collaboration for EVM’s flagship LCP project, establishing the area as a globally significant midstream hub to produce high-purity chemicals required by electric vehicle and battery cell manufacturers. Metso’s advanced alkaline leach technology is already being deployed in different LCP projects around the world.

The technical partnership with Metso will support EVM to achieve a world-class environment with global standards of operating performance for its LCP while developing local employees’ skills and capabilities, the OEM says. Metso’s collaboration will be applied through all phases of the project, from project sanction to steady state operations.

EVM’s CEO, Luke Fitzgerald, said: “The technical partnership with Metso is a significant development to accelerate the progress of our LCP. EVM will take a collaborative approach to securing all requirements necessary to ensure successful start-up and operation of the LCP, fully aligning with the goals of Vision 2030. Metso is the ideal partner to provide processing technology and equipment for the entire lithium production chain, from mine to battery materials.”

Metso’s Services business area President, Sami Takaluoma, added: “We are extremely glad that EV Metals Group has shown their confidence and appreciation for the high quality of our technological expertise and end-to-end knowledge in sustainable solutions and services. We look forward to further developing our partnership. We are also committed to strengthening our service capabilities in the region to serve the growing customer needs.”

Metso says it provides sustainable technology and equipment for all ore types, including the critical minerals required for the energy transition, supported by its unique Planet Positive offering.

Metso to expand bulk material handling expertise with Brouwer Engineering buy

Bulk handling, Mining equipment, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, , , , ,

Metso says it has signed an agreement to acquire Brouwer Engineering, a privately-owned Australia-based company specialising in automation, control systems and electrical solutions for bulk material handling solutions.

Combining Metso’s extensive experience in bulk material handling equipment and service offerings with Brouwer Engineering’s electrical and control system capabilities will further strengthen Metso’s position to provide a more comprehensive range of solutions to its customers, it says. Additionally, the acquisition strengthens Metso’s bulk material handling services business in Australia, with potential to expand these capabilities globally.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Services business area, Metso, said: “This acquisition is an important step toward Metso Services’ ambition to strengthen our automation and control capabilities. Brouwer’s expertise complements Metso’s capabilities in large mechanical upgrade projects. Together, we will offer comprehensive service packages for bulk material handling equipment upgrades and ensure fast commissioning. We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues to Metso, and we look forward to starting a journey of collaboration to become our industry’s preferred services provider.”

Brouwer Engineering has extensive design and development experience with all key software and hardware platforms, and it delivers fit-for-purpose end-to-end solutions using all major PLC, SCADA, and HMI platforms.

Hu Sciberras, Managing Director, Brouwer Engineering, said: “We are excited about the acquisition and the opportunities it will bring. The acquisition is a great opportunity for our employees to leverage their technical expertise and as a part of Metso, our offering can be scaled up globally.”

Metso says it has been an industry leader in the bulk material handling industry for more than a century, with more than 8,000 machines installed globally across the mining and aggregate space.

The acquisition is expected to be closed in August 2023. .

Metso Outotec to maintain 10 HIGmills for Asia Pacific miner as part of LCS agreement

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , , , , ,

Metso Outotec says it has signed a three-year Life Cycle Services (LCS) contract for the service of 10 Metso Outotec-supplied HIGmill™ fine grinding units to a mining customer in Asia Pacific.

The purpose of this agreement is to maximise production and increase uptime by improving the performance of the wear parts using Metso Outotec’s proprietary technology, services and technical expertise. Metso Outotec will provide spares and wears for the HIGmills. Other elements of the agreement are process optimisation, repair services, as well as a service exchange program for spare and wear parts management.

The contract is a performance-based service agreement, and it is one of the largest Life Cycle Services orders received by Metso Outotec.

The Metso Outotec HIGmill is an advanced and energy-efficient fine and ultra-fine grinding solution that relies on proven technology, according to the OEM.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Services business area, Metso Outotec, said: “We are extremely glad that our customer shows this confidence and appreciation in our expertise and end-to-end knowledge in sustainable fine grinding solutions and services. Metso Outotec is continuously developing its service capabilities for the customer’s benefit. The latest investment in the Asia Pacific area is our Karratha, Western Australia, facility which will be our biggest service centre globally. The centre will be operational during the fourth (December) quarter of 2023, and it further strengthens Metso Outotec’s presence in the region.”

Metso Outotec says it offers a wide portfolio of stirred mill technologies and supporting services for fine and ultrafine grinding in secondary, tertiary and regrind applications. The stirred mill portfolio includes the Vertimill®, the Metso Outotec HIGmill grinding mill, and the SMD Stirred Media Detritor.

Metso Outotec to divest Vereeniging mill linings, pump facility

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, , , , ,

Close to eight months since Metso announced it was evaluating the potential closure or other alternatives for its operations in Vereeniging, South Africa, Metso Outotec has made the decision to divest the fabrication, machining and assembly facility and close or rearrange the rest of the operations.

Back in March, Metso said the evaluation was part of the company’s global supply footprint development strategy within its Minerals operations.

Sami Takaluoma (pictured), President, Consumables business area at Metso Outotec, said the company carefully evaluated all opportunities, with the target to find the best possible option for customers and employees.

“Approximately 110 employees will continue with the new local owner in the spare parts manufacturing and repair operations,” he said.

“To ensure the best value, availability and quality to our customers, the mill linings production, as well as pump assembly operations, will be transferred to our other manufacturing units with flexible global service capability,” Takaluoma said. “We will continue to have some field service and engineering specialists in Vereeniging to ensure a sustainable transition as well as uninterrupted service to our customers.”

The unit in Vereeniging has provided pumps, spare parts, consumables, and repair services for the mining industry. The unit has employed around 200 employees.

Metso Outotec added: “The decisions made on the Vereeniging site operations are not related to the Metso Outotec combination.”

Metso Outotec to discontinue North Bay operations as part of consumable wear parts restructuring

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining services, , , , ,

Metso Outotec is developing its global rubber and poly-met supply chain by restructuring its consumables wear parts manufacturing operations in North America, leading to the closure of its factory operations in North Bay, Canada.

Production will be ramped down by the end of the first half of 2021, with the closure affecting a total of around 65 employees.

Metso Outotec says it will use the existing North and Central American manufacturing footprint in order to serve customers.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Consumables business area at Metso Outotec, said: “We are continuously developing our global supply footprint to ensure sustainable and profitable growth. To close a factory is a hard but necessary decision, and we realise that it will have implications on our employees. We will work to support them through the transition.”

The North Bay unit produces rubber and poly-met wear parts used in the mining industry.

Metso Outotec is a leading provider of rubber and poly-met mill lining with an extensive service network in all main mining markets. The company currently operates 11 factories manufacturing synthetic solutions globally.

Metso Outotec starts up mining wear parts facility in Lithuania

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining services, , , , ,

Metso Outotec’s new manufacturing site in the region of Šiauliai (Šiauliai län), northern Lithuania, has started its operations.

The new plant further strengthens the company’s capability to produce high-quality rubber and poly-met wear parts for its mining customers, the company said. The investment was announced back in March 2020.

“Our target is to continuously develop our global operations to ensure a competitive footprint and reliable deliveries for our customers globally,” Sami Takaluoma, President, Consumables business at Metso Outotec, said. “I am very pleased that the ramp-up of the new factory in Lithuania has been now completed by a very competent team. First products have been successfully sent to our customers.”

The factory uses fossil-free and renewable electricity in its production, and processes have been optimised for each customer segment. The location of the factory in Lithuania was decided based on a careful analysis of the current customer closeness in Europe and Russia, and with good logistical connections to the Middle East and Africa regions, Metso Outotec said. With access to many logistics options, customers will also benefit from the improved delivery and warehousing capabilities.

Metso Outotec, which operates currently 11 factories manufacturing synthetic solutions globally, said the factory will employ 80 people by the end of 2020.

In October 2019, the company opened a new Business Services centre in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. Currently the centre employs about 100 experts and offers services related to finance operations and customer logistics. The scope of the centre is growing and will cover new areas in the future, the company explained.

Metso and Outotec establish business areas and leaders ahead of merger completion

Automation, Comminution of minerals, Environmental, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining maintenance, Mining mergers and acquisitions, Mining services, Mining software, Sustainable mining, Water management, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With Metso and Outotec having recently cleared one of the final remaining hurdles towards merging the two companies, the future Metso Outotec Board of Directors has laid out the planned company structure and related executive team appointments.

The nominations will become effective after the closing of the partial demerger of Metso and the combination of Metso’s Minerals business and Outotec, which is currently expected to take place on June 30, 2020, subject to receipt of all required regulatory and other approvals, including competition clearances – which the companies made significant headway on recently.

The companies said: “Combined, the future Metso Outotec will be a forerunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the minerals processing, aggregates, metals refining and recycling industries globally. The new organisation is designed to leverage the strengths and expertise of both companies.”

Metso Outotec will consist of the following six business areas:

  • Aggregates, providing crushing and screening equipment for the production of aggregates;
  • Minerals, providing equipment and full plant solutions for minerals processing, covering comminution, separation and pumps;
  • Metals, providing processing solutions and equipment for metals refining and chemical processing;
  • Recycling, providing equipment and services for metal and waste recycling;
  • Services, providing spare parts, refurbishments and professional services for mining, metals and aggregates customers; and
  • Consumables, providing a comprehensive offering of wear parts for mining, metals and aggregates processes.

The boards have also made some significant decisions on the key personnel that will lead these business units.

Markku Simula will become President of the Aggregates business unit. Simula currently serves as President, Aggregates Equipment at Metso.

Recently appointed Metso Mining Equipment President, Stephan Kirsch, will become President of the combined Minerals business area.

Jari Ålgars, currently CFO at Outotec, will become President of Metals.

Uffe Hansen, who is currently President of Recycling at Metso, will become President of Recycling at Metso Outotec.

Metso’s Sami Takaluoma will retain his President of the Consumables business area post at the new merged entity.

Markku Teräsvasara, who currently serves as the President and CEO at Outotec, will take on the President, Services and Deputy CEO role at Metso Outotec.

In addition to the business area president appointments, the following function heads and executive team members have been appointed:

  • Eeva Sipilä, CFO and Deputy CEO. Her appointment was announced on July 4, 2019. She currently serves as the CFO and Deputy CEO at Metso;
  • Nina Kiviranta, General Counsel. She currently serves as General Counsel at Outotec;
  • Piia Karhu, Senior Vice President, Business Development. She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Customer Experience at Finnair. She will join the company on July 1, 2020; and
  • Hannele Järvistö, Senior Vice President, Human Resources (interim). She currently serves as Senior Vice President, Human Resources (interim) at Metso. “This appointment is valid until a new position-holder has been selected and will start in this role,” the company said.

All the function heads and executive team members will report to Metso Outotec’s future President and CEO, Pekka Vauramo (pictured), the company said.

Reflecting on these changes, Vauramo said: “Above all, Metso Outotec will be strong in sustainability. Our extensive combined offering for minerals processing, from equipment to a broad range of services, will help our customers improve their profitability and lower their operating costs and risks, while at the same time reduce the consumption of energy and water.

“We at Metso Outotec understand our customer’s world and the daily challenges they face. Together, we will partner for positive change.”

Metso’s Trelleborg facility to press ahead with mill lining additions

Comminution of minerals, Equipment maintenance, IoT, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining maintenance, Mining safety, Mining services, , , , , , , , , ,

Metso says it is expanding the range, sizes and types of consumable products it manufactures with the help of an “innovative, mega-size compress press”.

The move will develop its consumables product range and production capacity, especially in larger consumables wear sizes, it said.

The press, being installed at its Trelleborg factory in Sweden, can produce products, such as mill lining wear parts, that weigh up to 8 t. Production with the new press will start in May, it said.

The press to be installed is the first in a series of three similar machines with a total value of €10 million ($10.8 million), according to Metso.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Consumables business, Metso, said: “We are continuously developing our operations to improve our flexibility in fulfilling our mining customers’ needs globally.

“For our customers, the ability to acquire and use larger, high-quality consumables in the process enables a longer operating time and reduces the time required for maintenance work. The new press has been developed together with the supplier, and it utilises unique, innovative technology.”

The ongoing COVID-19-related travel restrictions and increased employee safety measures globally created a need to find a sustainable and safe way to install the new machine in the Trelleborg facility, Metso said.

The installation process is monitored remotely by the supplier with dedicated installation support hubs in Australia and China. Through a variety of headsets and video cameras, the installation team has been able to obtain continuous online guidance and instructions.

“In this challenging situation, we found a workable solution to stay on schedule,” Takaluoma said. “Thanks to the continuous support and detailed online guidance provided to the on-site team, the installation work has proceeded as planned and with safety measures maintained.”

Metso is a leading provider of rubber and poly-met mill linings and has a strong service network in all the main mining markets. The Trelleborg unit produces rubber and poly-met wear parts used in the mining industry.

Metso currently operates 11 factories manufacturing synthetic solutions globally, and it will open a new factory for mining consumables wear parts in Lithuania in 2020.

Metso reviewing Vereeniging operations in South Africa

Equipment maintenance, Mineral processing, Mining consumables, Mining equipment, Mining services, , , , ,

Metso says it is initiating consultations to evaluate the potential closure or other alternatives for its operations in Vereeniging, South Africa.

The Vereeniging unit provides pumps, spare parts, consumables, and repair services for the mining industry and has around 200 employees, the company says.

The move is part of the global supply footprint development strategy in its Minerals operations. Similar reviews across regions in Metso’s Minerals Consumables business area have led to the closure of the rubber and poly-met wear parts manufacturing facility in Ersmark, Sweden, and a discontinuation of the Isithebe foundry in South Africa.

Sami Takaluoma, President, Minerals Consumables business area at Metso, said: “Our strategy is to utilise synergies of the most efficient manufacturing and sourcing opportunities globally. We are continuously developing our supply footprint to deliver the best value, availability and quality for our customers.”