The services provided include preventive maintenance and calibration of Sierra Gorda's eight on-stream analysers. The particle size analysers and chemical composition analysers, which are a core portion of their flotation process, play a vital role in controlling and optimising process performance.

As part of this agreement, Metso's responsibilities include performing maintenance of the sample handling system, as well as the maintenance and calibration of the analysers. The two-year contract, which commenced in February 2019, includes daily, weekly and monthly tasks as well as stringent KPIs. In this performance contract, Metso is evaluated on the ability to increase uptime and measurement accuracy.

"The service provided by the Metso team demonstrates true professionalism, collaboration and teamwork," said Edgardo Chiappa, plant manager, Sierra Gorda SCM at KGHM Polska Miedz & Sumitomo Joint Venture.

"They have delivered high availability and accuracy of our on-stream analysers, consisting of Courier and PSI technology. This has allowed for more timely operational decisions, aiding us in maximising process performance. We are really satisfied with the work Metso has delivered and look forward to our continued partnership."

Giuseppe Campanelli, president, Minerals Services at Metso, added: "We are proud to have had this opportunity to not only continue, but deepen, our partnership with Sierra Gorda. We greatly value this relationship as well as the confidence that they have shown in our ability to service such a key piece of their process."

Metso has been systematically expanding its service offering in the important Chilean and Pacific Rim mining markets. The service organisation's ability to deliver and sustain performance improvements within the mining industry is based on this additional focus on maintenance, technology and process expertise.