Navigating Challenges, Embracing Sustainability

Q: What are the main challenges Metso’s clients are facing right now and how are you helping them? 

A: Our clients are struggling with the impact of new mining legislation, which restricts their operations. This limitation extends across various areas, affecting permits, water usage, equipment acquisition, and overall operational procedures. On a global scale, they are also facing increased costs driven by sustainability measures.

Consequently, there has been a contraction in service demand, we offer our customers solutions to these challenges, making their operations safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. We firmly believe that these obstacles are temporary, and, with ongoing adaptation, we will learn to navigate and operate efficiently within the framework of the new legislation.

Q: What areas are the company’s R&D initiatives? 

A: Our technology strategy and R&D priorities are focused on Planet Positive and growing the portfolio to form a growing part of our overall sales in the future. We target that 100% of our R&D project spend is on projects with sustainability targets.

Metso is a global company with ambitious annual targets in R&D. Our goal is to introduce a strong innovation and R&D capacity. During the last year, we have invested over €70 million in research and development, achieving +7,800 patents and 10 new planet-positive products launched, increasing our portfolio to over 100 products with planet-positive offerings. 

As part of Planet Positive, we have set ambitious goals for sustainability and announced our commitment to limit global warming to 1.5°C, with targets that are validated by the Science Based Targets initiatives signed in 2016 during the Paris Agreement. 

An example about is the usage of our Larox FFP pressure filters in the mining operations that have successfully reduced freshwater use from to 20%-30% of their initial amount. This significant water reduction underscores our dedication to innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

Q: What motivated Metso to open the office within the Zacatecas Mining Cluster’s (CLUSMIN) offices and the new Screening Media Factory in Irapuato? 

A: The driving force behind our alliance is a strategic approach to regionalization, as the country is large. Our objective is to get closer to our customers and integrate ourselves into their operations. We are also aware of the logistical challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. As a result, we strategically opened a manufacturing plant to strengthen the resilience of our supply chain in North America. Our Irapuato polymeric plate filter plant, located in Guanajuato, was designed specifically to serve the North and Central American market, but supplies products globally. 

Q: Which trends does the company identify in the mining sector that will become relevant in the next six years? 

A: Climate change is one of the biggest challenges to sustaining our way of life and in the focus of our sustainability strategy - we aim for net-zero CO2 emissions in our own operations by 2030. 

Significant investments are being made, especially in North America, to accelerate the green transition. Anticipating an increase in demand for batteries, there is a notable inclination among manufacturers to establish their facilities in Mexico. 

Although the Mexican industry has experienced a contraction, it appears to have bottomed out. The sector is undergoing a transformation phase, aligning operations with new regulations to ensure competitive costs and greater efficiency. Metso is actively fostering creativity to identify and capitalize on innovative opportunities in this evolving landscape.

Metso focuses on sustainable technologies, comprehensive solutions, and services for the aggregates, mineral processing, and metals refining industries worldwide. It improves the energy and water efficiency of its clients, increasing their productivity and reducing environmental risks through its products and processes. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Metso employs more than 17,000 people in nearly 50 countries. Its sales in 2023 were approximately €5.4 billion. The company is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.