Metso and CSIRO initiate a new phase of collaboration
New initiative to provide R&D, technology transfer and advanced services to the resource industry
A NEW initiative between Metso and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia will strengthen the ability of both organizations to further develop and provide advanced technological services and solutions to the industry.
As part of the collaboration, Metso Process Technology and Innovation (PTI) relocated their global head office to the Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies (QCAT) facilities in Brisbane, Australia.
‘This is another initiative to provide most advanced services and solutions to our customers,’ said João Ney Colagrossi (pictured on right), president of the Services business line for Metso Mining and Construction. ‘This collaboration represents an opportunity for the industry to access cost-effective R&D, specialized consulting, technical services and products.
‘Mining companies, CSIRO and Metso can work together now to fast-track technology transfer, product development, commercialization and support to enhance operational performance.’
QCAT is a collaborative research precinct linking CSIRO, the Queensland State Government, Cooperative Research Centres and other R&D organizations. It is one of the largest integrated research and development centers for the resources and associated advanced technology industries, and is a focal point that encourages ongoing interaction between researchers and industry.
Metso’s move to QCAT strategically places it at the heart of technological innovation for the resource industry and provides access to state-of-the-art laboratory and pilot plant facilities. For CSIRO, this close collaboration facilitates further links to the industry and provides another possible commercialization conduit for a number of research and development outcomes.
Notably, Metso is the only equipment manufacturer and technology supplier represented within the QCAT facility.
‘Metso’s people at QCAT are involved in process innovation and consulting in mining. They will share QCAT’s infrastructure and collaborate with CSIRO on process improvement and innovation in minerals and energy. There are many opportunities for future joint CSIRO-Metso projects,’ explained Dr Mike McWilliams, executive manager of QCAT.
In particular, working with CSIRO will help Metso take several aspects of their R&D project investigating eco-efficient mining and processing technologies and services (aimed at reducing water, energy consumption and associated carbon emissions) to the next level.
‘We are already working with a number of R&D institutions globally. We share many common interests with CSIRO, and with numerous opportunities for forthcoming collaborations, our recent move to QCAT is a smart fit, which will benefit CSIRO, Metso and the industry,’ said Dr Walter Valery (pictured second from left), senior vice-president of Process Technology and Innovation (PTI) with Metso Mining and Construction.
Given the current market and economic situation, this collaboration represents an opportunity for the industry to access cost-effective R&D, specialized consulting, technical services and products. Using this approach, mining companies, CSIRO and Metso can work together to fast-track technology transfer, product development, commercialization and support.
