Metso expands service center to strengthen Chilean mining sector

Metso has completed the expansion of its service center in Antofagasta, Chile, increasing its total technical workspace to 4,800 square meters. The additional 1,200 square meters of operational capacity enhances Metso’s ability to support large-scale mining operations in one of the world’s most active copper-producing regions.

Located in the La Negra industrial district, the facility serves as a regional hub for equipment maintenance and process support. Over the past decade, the center has become a key service partner for major mining operations in northern Chile, with a growing number of technical and commercial agreements.

According to Leonardo Osorio, Vice President, Services Project Delivery, South America at Metso, the investment reflects a long-term commitment to the mining industry in the region. “Our service center in Antofagasta, which has been operational since 2013, has become a benchmark in technical support for large-scale mining in northern Chile,” he said. “The expansion enables us to work on multiple critical pieces of equipment, reduce lead times and improve availability for our customers.”

The upgraded facility now includes new infrastructure and equipment designed to service high-capacity mining technologies. It can support the refurbishment of advanced grinding solutions such as HRC™ and HPGR (High Pressure Grinding Rolls), Vertimill® units, and HIG mills, as well as beneficiation and dewatering systems including filter plate pack servicing. The site also handles crushers, screens, grinding mills, and car dumpers.

A key component of the expansion is the installation of an overhead crane with a lifting capacity of 140 tonnes—one of the largest of its kind in South America. It is paired with a high-precision vertical lathe capable of handling parts up to five meters in diameter. Together, these additions are expected to reduce equipment transport needs, improve turnaround times, and localize key services within the region.

The Antofagasta service center offers a range of operations including repair, reconditioning, assembly, and parts manufacturing, all conducted to OEM specifications. The company cites strong safety and quality metrics at the facility, including the completion of over 100 screen repairs with zero recorded accidents.

Metso currently operates more than 140 service locations across six continents, supported by a global field service team of over 3,700 professionals. Its offering includes installation, commissioning, inspection, and maintenance services for customers in the mining and aggregates sectors.

With the Antofagasta expansion complete, Metso aims to further strengthen its position as a long-term service partner to Chile’s mining industry, particularly as operations across the region place growing emphasis on equipment reliability, uptime, and cost optimization.

Source and Photo: Metso