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The Intrinsic Value of Automation

Lief Lindholm - Metso
Vice President Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean

STORY INLINE POST

Wed, 10/18/2017 - 09:46

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The mining industry finds itself in the process of healing the wounds that remain after a wave of low-priced metals. Consequently, many companies are pressured to continue to seek methods and technology that can help reduce costs and improve efficiency as a way to boost success. The adoption of international best practices is key for players that want to survive a storm that fortunately is thought to be clearing. “It has been a tough market but we are starting to feel more optimistic about prices,” says Leif Lindholm, Vice President Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean of Metso. “The landscape is starting to move in the right direction.”

Metso considers mining to be its largest area of business, followed by the construction industry. It seeks regions that have strong markets to offer its products and services. The diversification of its markets helps balance out jurisdictions like the US that are undergoing a rough period when it comes to mining

The company works in mines including Buenavista del Cobre, where Lindholm says a second plant has been installed that mostly uses equipment from Metso. “We also installed equipment in Media Luna and for Goldcorp,” he says.

The company constantly strives to create equipment that breaks industrial benchmarks and improves efficiency. “The idea is to create a mix of services while removing unnecessary costs to multiply profitability,” says Lindholm. Its global presence means Metso can also offer the mining industry a wealth of spare parts, expert services and solutions.

Mexican mining companies demand a great number of crushers from Metso, a leader in the development of crusher mills. “Crusher upgrades have the ability to breathe new life into operations by making them more productive, cost-efficient and safer,” says Lindholm. For instance, the Symon cone crusher upgrades can generate productivity gains of up to 20 percent. It has a remotesetting feature that facilitates adjustments and diminishes maintenance time during bowl removal and installation.

Automation is a global trend and an important part of Metso’s business, allowing companies to have better control of mine operations. According to Lindholm, remote-control systems are not new to the international global industry but Mexico is still in the process of adopting these technologies. “In two or three years, it will become a standard in the country,” he says.

But it is not easy to convince the Mexican mining industry of the advantages automated systems offer. Metso works hard to prove and showcase the number of benefits it can bring to mine sites. “Automated systems can greatly diminish the number of people that need to be present in mines,” says Lindholm. “As a result, they lower the chance of accidents and fatalities, while simultaneously improving production rates.”

The company stands out among competition with a strong service-based organization, Lindholm says. It has also received recognition for its environmental and innovative endeavors. In 2016, the company boasted an A- ranking in CDP’s Climate Change evaluation at the Leadership level. That year, CDP monitored a total of 5,800 companies around the world. The global ranking reached an average of C, highlighting the significance of Metso’s strong results.

Overall, Mexico represents approximately 80 percent of the company’s business, which makes it an important market. But Lindholm says the company’s next big project will be in Panama, providing services for an Australian company. “This project will be worth US$6.2 billion so it will slightly modify the amount of focus we place in Mexico,” he says.

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