Chile’s Mining Sector Gains from Metso’s Antofagasta Service Center Expansion with Advanced Repair Capabilities

Chile’s Mining Sector Gains from Metso’s Antofagasta Service Center Expansion with Advanced Repair Capabilities

(IN BRIEF) Metso has expanded its Antofagasta service center in Chile, adding 1,200 m² of operational space for a total of 4,800 m². Located in the La Negra industrial district, the facility has become a key partner for major mining companies in northern Chile. The expansion includes advanced infrastructure such as a 140-ton overhead crane—one of the largest in South America—and a high-precision vertical lathe for parts up to 5 meters in diameter. The center now offers enhanced repair and refurbishment capabilities for large-scale mining equipment, including HPGR units, Vertimills®, HIG mills, crushers, screens, and dewatering systems, all under strict OEM standards. The investment is aimed at reducing lead times, increasing equipment availability, and delivering high-quality, safe service to the mining sector.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 14-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Metso has completed the expansion of its Antofagasta service center in Chile, significantly enhancing its capacity to support the country’s mining industry. The upgrade adds 1,200 m² of operational space, bringing the total technical workspace to 4,800 m². Strategically located in the La Negra industrial district—at the heart of northern Chile’s mining operations—the facility has become a critical partner for major mining companies, having tripled its technical-commercial agreements in recent years.

Inaugurated in 2013, the Antofagasta service center is recognized as a benchmark for technical support in large-scale mining. “The expansion enables us to work on multiple critical pieces of equipment simultaneously, reduce lead times, and improve availability for our customers,” said Leonardo Osorio, Vice President, Services Project Delivery, South America, Metso. “This investment reflects our commitment to staying close to our customers and delivering practical solutions for the mining industry’s evolving needs.”

The expansion brings advanced infrastructure and technology designed to service large-scale mining equipment with improved speed, safety, and reliability. The center now handles repairs and refurbishments for HRC™ and HPGR units, Vertimill® grinding technology, HIG mills, and beneficiation and dewatering systems, including filter plate pack servicing. It also supports crushers, grinding mills, screens, and car dumpers.

A key feature of the upgrade is the installation of one of South America’s largest overhead cranes, with a lifting capacity of up to 140 tons, and a high-precision vertical lathe capable of machining parts up to 5 meters in diameter. Together, these tools reduce equipment transport needs, shorten turnaround times, and enhance local service capabilities.

Operating under strict OEM standards, the Antofagasta center delivers reconditioning, repair, assembly, and parts manufacturing services, with a strong emphasis on quality and safety—evidenced by completing 100 screen repairs with zero accidents.

Metso operates an extensive global service network with over 3,700 field service professionals and more than 140 service locations across six continents, offering installation, commissioning, inspection, and maintenance services to mining customers worldwide.

Media contact:

Leonardo Osorio, Vice President, Services Project Delivery South America, Metso, tel. +56 939 166 150, email: leonardo.osorio(at)metso.com

Heidi Valle, Vice President, Communications and Public Affairs, Metso Corporation, tel. +358 20 141 3406, email: heidi.valle(at)metso.com

Metso is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. We improve our customers’ energy and water efficiency, increase their productivity, and reduce environmental risks with our product and service expertise. We are the partner for positive change.  

Metso is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. At the end of 2024 Metso had close to 17,000 employees in around 50 countries, and sales in 2024 were about EUR 4.9 billion. Metso is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki. 

metso.com

SOURCE: Metso