Metso has just completed a strategic acquisition that could reshape the mining industry’s approach to comminution. By acquiring Swiss Tower Mills Minerals AG (STM), Metso has bolstered its portfolio with STM’s expertise in vertical grinding mills, a move that underscores the company’s commitment to energy-efficient and future-proof solutions.
STM’s technology is set to strengthen Metso’s already impressive stirred milling technologies portfolio, which includes the Vertimill®, HIGmill™, and Stirred Media Detritor (SMD) mills. These mills, based on gravity-induced and fluidised technologies, offer optimal solutions for various comminution circuits, from secondary and tertiary grinding to fine, ultrafine, regrind, and lime slaking applications. With over 50 years of experience in stirred mill technology, Metso’s acquisition of STM is not just about expanding its product range; it’s about enhancing its service levels and providing customers with more comprehensive, energy-efficient solutions.
Piia Karhu, President of Minerals at Metso, welcomed the STM team, highlighting the potential for even greater innovation. “Our collaboration on innovative grinding solutions and services combining, for example, the well-established HIGmill and Vertimill vertical grinding solutions and HRC™ high-pressure grinding roll technology has yielded significant results for our customers,” Karhu stated. “And now that we are one team, our customers can expect even more.”
Christoph Hoetzel, Senior Vice President of Grinding at Metso, echoed this sentiment, pointing out the industry trend towards optimised technology combinations and multi-stage grinding approaches. “These solutions improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, in addition to enhancing productivity with optimised operating costs,” Hoetzel said. The HIGmill, in particular, is a cornerstone for energy-efficient comminution circuits, and when combined with Metso’s innovative flotation solutions like the Concorde Cell™, it enables maximised throughput and superior recovery.
Oliver Zlamal, CEO of Swiss Tower Mills Minerals, expressed his delight at the acquisition, noting that STM’s vision of achieving outstanding grinding performance and unparalleled energy efficiency with vertical stirred mills aligns perfectly with Metso’s goals. “Our joint journey with Metso began in 2012 when Metso was granted exclusive rights to sell the HIGmill equipment,” Zlamal recalled. “Over the past few years, we have built a fantastic team and developed innovative solutions that are now ready to be scaled within a bigger structure.”
This acquisition is more than just a business deal; it’s a strategic move that could set new standards in the mining industry. As the sector grapples with the need for more sustainable and efficient operations, Metso’s enhanced comminution solutions portfolio could provide a significant boost. The integration of STM’s technology into Metso’s offerings could lead to more innovative, energy-efficient, and productive grinding solutions, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Moreover, this acquisition could spark a wave of similar moves in the sector, as companies look to bolster their portfolios with cutting-edge technologies. It also underscores the importance of innovation and sustainability in the mining industry, challenging norms and pushing the sector towards a more efficient and eco-friendly future. As Metso and STM come together, the mining industry watches with anticipation, ready to see how this union will shape the future of comminution.
