SCREENING new fabrication unit will employ around 35 people . Sorocaba , one of Metso ’ s biggest manufacturing and service hubs serving mining and aggregates customers , employs approximately 1,700 people . Additionally , the new screening facility will enable Metso to service and refurbish large HPGR and HCR technology to meet mining customers ’ growing needs for servicing heavy equipment .
Metso is also reorganising its screening media production in North and Central America . The company has invested in new screening media production capacity in Irapuato , Mexico , which is planned to significantly increase supply and delivery capabilities for mining and aggregates customers in the region . As a part of the reorganisation , the company has decided to discontinue its screening media operations in Warrenton , Missouri in the United States .
The new factory in Mexico started operations gradually during the first half of 2023 . It became fully operational during the third quarter , and total production capacity is planned to double by 2024 from the previous level . “ We will serve customers with shorter lead times and faster deliveries by utilising a production site optimised for screening media products . The new factory is located close to our rubber and Poly-Met factory in Irapuato , and it further strengthens Mexico ’ s position as a centre of expertise for producing high-quality consumables ,” says Heikki Metsälä , President , Consumables business area . The new screening media centre is expected to employ around 46 people . production environment , the downtime could easily translate in revenue losses that run into millions of dollars . For example , in Australia , mining houses are tonnage-driven , meaning when you have unplanned downtime of two hours , it could translate to the loss of millions . Fires in the plant can shut down whole modules for weeks at a time . Australia ’ s miners operate in campaigns – for instance , they ’ ll operate for three months and then they ’ ll do maintenance . They don ’ t stop haphazardly .
“ Our product has undergone rigorous testing and has been confirmed to operate continuously to fit existing shutdown campaigns , meeting the mining industry ' s stringent requirements . Ensuring high-quality equipment is essential to minimise downtime . This is
Multotec has developed a range of flameresistant rubber screen panels that selfextinguishes in under 60 seconds
especially beneficial for plants that operate around the clock , as interruptions can be costly and disruptive ,” says Faba .
“ To make the rubber screen panels flameresistant , we modified the chemical composition
Multotec ’ s robust flame-resistant rubber screen panels
Multotec has developed a range of flameresistant rubber screen panels that selfextinguishes in under 60 seconds , thereby significantly reducing the risk of fire and the associated loss of valuable production time , plant and staff safety hazards .
Multotec responded to a challenge facing iron ore producers in Australia by developing a rubber screen media solution that negates the risk of fires associated with hot work on screen decks . Shawn Faba , Product Manager : Screening Media at Multotec , explains that while the solution was developed to meet the stringent performance and safety requirements of the Australian mining industry , other mining operations across the world would also benefit from its adoption .
Multotec ’ s flame-resistant panels have been scientifically developed in collaboration with international academic institutions and raw material suppliers . The product has been tested under controlled laboratory conditions , certified accreditation trials , as well as on a number of sites in real world conditions .
“ When we consider an interruption to any
OCTOBER 2023 | International Mining 47