Metso expanding rubber parts manufacturing in Chile

Helsinki – Finnish industrial machinery maker Metso Outotec Corp. is expanding its facility for the production of rubber and ‘poly-met’ mill-linings in Concon, Chile.

Installation of a 'mega-class' compression press will expand the range, sizes, and types of products manufactured at the site, said Metso in a statement 18 April.

The new press will provide “robust technology and large size” specifically for the production of large mill liners for the mining industry that can weigh up to 8 tonnes.

After the introduction of the new press, the production capacity for large mill liners will increase by 30%, said Metso without providing a timeline.

In addition to the new press, Metso said it is introducing a new system for the recycling of rubber-based systems at its facility in Chile.

The technology enables “efficient separation” of different liner materials so that the rubber and steel components can be recycled or reused in the manufacturing of new products.

“The liner recycling service is a concrete example of how Metso can drive the mining industry towards more sustainable practices,” said Eduardo Nilo, the group's president, South America.

Furthermore, Metso said it is working towards powering the facility with 100% renewable energy as part of its ‘net-zero goal’ by 2030.

The ‘Chilean 2050 national mining policy’, according to Metso, outlines how the country can harmonise the development of the mining industry with environmental needs.

“We have set ambitious targets to help our customers reduce the environmental impact of mining in the different stages of the production process,” said Heikki Metsala, president, consumables business at Metso.

The recycling initiative, which was launched first in Europe in 2016, will be further expanded to North America later this year.