Metso expands mineralogy capabilities to accelerate mining project development

Metso is strengthening its mineralogy capabilities with a new investment at its Research Center in Pori, Finland, aimed at helping mining customers make faster and better-informed decisions throughout the lifecycle of minerals processing projects.

The investment includes the installation of a new TESCAN TIMA™ automated mineralogy analyzer, which combines high-resolution scanning electron microscopy with advanced elemental analysis. The system will increase analytical capacity and shorten turnaround times, enabling faster delivery of detailed mineralogical data for project evaluation and process optimization.

According to Metso, a deeper understanding of ore characteristics, mineral associations and metallurgical behavior is essential for selecting the most suitable processing route and reducing project risk.

“In minerals processing and metals refining, the mineralogy of the feed material dictates the outcome of the entire process,” said Tero Kravtsov, Senior Mineralogist at Metso. “By applying detailed mineralogical analysis to feed, concentrates, tailings and other process products, we can support the selection of the most appropriate metallurgical route at an early stage.”

The new equipment complements Metso’s existing mineralogical expertise and will allow specialists at the Pori Research Center to analyze a larger number of samples while providing more detailed quantitative data.

Matthew Hicks, Director, Minerals Processing at Metso, said the investment will help customers improve decision-making across project development and operations. “By expanding our analytical capacity and shortening turnaround times, we can deliver clear, actionable mineralogical data for a greater number of cases. Such clarity directly reduces project risk and improves resource efficiency across the entire process.”

Metso’s mineralogy services support applications across mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, pyrometallurgy and battery materials production. The company says the enhanced capabilities will help customers improve metal recoveries, optimize resource utilization and develop more sustainable processing routes.

Located in Finland, the Pori Research Center serves as one of Metso’s key research and product development hubs, focusing on mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, battery materials and smelting technologies.

Rodrigo Grau, Vice President, Minerals Processing Solutions at Metso, said the investment strengthens the company’s ability to support customers from the earliest project stages. “Mineralogical characterization is essential in defining the optimal metallurgical route. Strengthening our capabilities in Pori further enhances our ability to support early customer engagement and improve process efficiency.”

Source and Photo: Metso