www.industryemea.com
27
'26
Written on Modified on
Dry grinding technology for sustainable minerals processing operations
Metso and Loesche partner to integrate vertical roller mill technology into mining flowsheets to enhance energy efficiency and resource recovery.
www.metso.com
Metso Corporation and Loesche GmbH have entered into an exclusive partnership to introduce the Metso Loesche VRM dry grinding technology for minerals processing. This collaboration combines Metso’s expertise in end-to-end minerals processing and service with Loesche’s established vertical roller mill (VRM) technology. The objective is to establish a new benchmark for sustainable comminution by reducing power consumption in one of the most energy-intensive stages of industrial mining.
Technical mechanisms of the VRM system
The Metso Loesche VRM technology is designed to replace traditional high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) and horizontal mills in primary, secondary, and tertiary applications. The system utilizes advanced wear materials to meet the specific abrasive demands of mineral processing while ensuring high mechanical availability. Integrated process control systems allow for simplified start-stop sequences and rapid production ramp-up.
Operational benefits and downstream impact
The implementation of dry grinding offers several technical advantages for the digital supply chain of mining operations:
- Particle size distribution: The process produces a steeper and more consistent particle size distribution, which improves downstream beneficiation.
- Reduction of oxidation: By utilizing a dry process, the oxidation of sulfide mineral particles is minimized, enhancing the recovery performance in subsequent stages.
- Process simplification: The technology facilitates advanced flowsheets incorporating coarse particle flotation and magnetic separation.
- Water conservation: In scenarios where fully dry processes are feasible, the technology can significantly reduce or eliminate water consumption.
Strategic implementation and availability
With over 2,400 references in the cement industry, the transition of VRM technology to minerals processing aims to lower operating costs through reduced wear part consumption and simplified system architectures. Bjorn Nielsen of Metso noted that the technology supports more resource-efficient processing by delivering objective gains in energy efficiency. This technology and its related support services are exclusively available through Metso’s global network.
The partnership was officially announced on February 25, 2026. Detailed technical specifications will be presented during a dedicated webinar on March 5, 2026.
www.metso.com
With over 2,400 references in the cement industry, the transition of VRM technology to minerals processing aims to lower operating costs through reduced wear part consumption and simplified system architectures. Bjorn Nielsen of Metso noted that the technology supports more resource-efficient processing by delivering objective gains in energy efficiency. This technology and its related support services are exclusively available through Metso’s global network.
The partnership was officially announced on February 25, 2026. Detailed technical specifications will be presented during a dedicated webinar on March 5, 2026.
www.metso.com
