In a significant move for the mining landscape, Metso has clinched an order for its innovative Vertimill® and HIGmillTM regrind mills destined for the Reko Diq copper-gold project in Pakistan. This order, valued at around €50 million, is part of a broader equipment delivery frame agreement that Metso announced back in August 2024. The inclusion of apron feeders and vibrating feeders in this package underscores the comprehensive nature of this deal, which is set to be recorded in the Minerals segment’s order intake for the fourth quarter of 2024.
Bjorn Nielsen, Vice President of Stirred Mills and HPGR at Metso, highlighted the collaborative spirit behind this order, noting, “Following an innovative and collaborative test work campaign, a two-stage regrind circuit consisting of a Vertimill and a HIGmill operating in series was selected to optimise the overall energy-efficiency and operating cost.” This is not just a technical upgrade; it represents a strategic pivot towards more sustainable and cost-effective mining practices. By combining the robust feed particle size capability of the Vertimill with the efficient fine grinding and particle conditioning of the HIGmill, this solution aims to enhance performance while minimizing energy consumption—a critical factor in today’s mining operations.
Metso’s stirred milling technologies, which include the Vertimill, HIGmill, and Stirred Media Detritor (SMD), are designed with versatility in mind. These mills employ gravity-induced and fluidised technologies, making them suitable for a variety of comminution circuits, whether for secondary, tertiary, fine, ultrafine, or regrind applications. With over 50 years of experience and more than 500 installations globally, Metso is well-poised to deliver cutting-edge solutions that meet the evolving demands of the mining sector.
The implications of this order extend beyond the immediate financial transaction. As the mining industry grapples with fluctuating commodity prices and increasing scrutiny over environmental impacts, the drive for energy-efficient solutions becomes paramount. By opting for Metso’s stirred milling technologies, the Reko Diq project signals a broader trend in the sector towards innovative equipment that not only boosts productivity but also aligns with sustainability goals.
As the Reko Diq project gears up for its next phase, it remains to be seen how this partnership will influence future developments in mining technology. Will other projects follow suit, seeking similar energy-efficient solutions? Or will this be a standalone instance in a traditionally conservative industry? One thing is for sure: the Reko Diq project is setting a precedent that could very well shape the trajectory of mining operations in the years to come.
With the mining sector at a crossroads, the adoption of advanced technologies like those offered by Metso could pave the way for a new era of efficiency and environmental responsibility.
