Metso Outotec help rebuild Beirut blast area

Company donates crushing and screening equipment to help clear and reconstruct devastated city

METSO Outotec are supporting the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) emergency programme in Beirut, Lebanon, in collaboration with UNICEF Finland, by donating equipment for use in reconstructing the city following the huge explosion in August which caused massive destruction of buildings and infrastructure.

The donated crushing and screening equipment is expected to arrive in Beirut in December 2020 and will help secure clean water, sanitation and healthier living conditions for thousands of children and families living in the disaster area.

The equipment will be used to help clear up the debris from the explosion, such as concrete from buildings and asphalt from roads and paving, as well as for the recycling and production of aggregates for reconstruction.

‘When UNICEF approached us for financial support, we realized our equipment could help the people and the destruction area in a very concrete way,’ said Eeva Sipilä, chief financial officer of Metso Outotec. ‘We are happy that through collaboration with UNICEF, we can offer our expertise and do our share in the enormous effort to rebuild the city.’

Marja-Riitta Ketola, executive director of the Finnish Committee for UNICEF, said: ‘We are extremely grateful for this donation. As COVID-19 cases continue to surge and there is a high risk of water-borne diseases in the affected area, it is more critical than ever to ensure that children and families have access to safe water and sanitation.

‘With Metso Outotec’s help, we will be able to clear the explosion waste and help rebuild sanitation services more rapidly.’

The donated equipment includes one Lokotrack LT106 mobile jaw crusher and two Lokotrack ST4.8 mobile screens. In addition to the equipment, Metso Outotec will provide training and technical support to operate the equipment.