Metso Unveils Cutting-Edge Karratha Facility to Drive Sustainable Mining Operations

Metso Unveils Cutting-Edge Karratha Facility to Drive Sustainable Mining Operations

(IN BRIEF) In March 2024, Metso launched its largest global service center in Karratha, Western Australia, located in the heart of the Pilbara mining region. The state-of-the-art facility provides comprehensive 24/7 maintenance and repair solutions for heavy mining equipment, ensuring reduced downtime and optimized performance for customers. With an investment of around EUR 32 million (AUD 52 million) and a facility covering 35,000 m²—including a dedicated workshop—the center has quickly proven its value by extending asset lifespans, boosting energy and water efficiency, and supporting sustainability goals by cutting long-haul freight. Emphasizing employee safety and community engagement, Metso has built a robust local team and offers apprenticeship programs to further enhance local capabilities. The new center complements Metso’s expansive global service network, reinforcing its position as a leader in sustainable and innovative mining solutions.

(PRESS RELEASE) ESPOO, 21-Mar-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — In March 2024, Metso inaugurated its largest service center worldwide in Karratha, Western Australia, strategically situated in the Pilbara region—a global hub for iron ore and lithium mining. This state-of-the-art facility delivers an extensive range of maintenance and repair solutions to mining operations, and its first year of operation has already demonstrated remarkable success, reflecting the high value of the investment.

Metso’s Karratha center, which operates around the clock, is designed to provide swift and efficient support to local mining customers. It handles both routine maintenance and urgent repair tasks, thereby reducing downtime and ensuring that heavy equipment remains in peak condition throughout its lifecycle. “We are dedicated to being as close as possible to our customers and providing them with advanced, agile services,” said Stuart Sneyd, President of Asia Pacific at Metso. “Our investment in Karratha has been exceptionally well-received, thanks to our expert team and the comprehensive support we now offer locally.”

The facility, which spans 35,000 m² and includes a 5,000 m² workshop, is equipped with cutting-edge technology such as high-capacity cranes, CNC machines, a heat treatment furnace, and advanced fabrication and welding stations. With a total investment of approximately EUR 32 million (AUD 52 million), the center is capable of servicing a wide array of heavy mining equipment including crushers, screens, mills, HIG mills, HPGRs, and car dumpers.

A core objective of the Karratha center is to extend the lifespan of assets, enhance energy and water efficiency, and reduce plant downtime. By reducing the need for long-haul freight through its close proximity to customers, the center also supports Metso’s sustainability targets, contributing to its goal of achieving net-zero CO2 emissions from operations by 2030.

Employee safety is paramount at the new center. The facility’s design incorporates modern safety features and tools to create a secure working environment, while also fostering a strong local workforce. Over 70 percent of the employees are local residents, and some of Metso’s Perth-based FIFO team members have relocated to Karratha. Chris Gadeke, Regional Manager, Repairs Operations for the Pilbara region at Metso, noted, “We are here for the long term, investing not only in technology but also in our people. Our recent Great Place to Work® certification is a testament to our commitment to employee satisfaction and retention.” Metso further supports the local community through apprenticeship programs at the center.

Metso’s global service network is extensive, with over 3,700 field service professionals and more than 140 service locations spanning six continents. Recent strategic initiatives include plans to expand the Karratha center and the establishment of additional service and training centers in Mesa, Arizona, USA; Western Canada; Chile; and Peru. These efforts underscore Metso’s ongoing commitment to providing top-tier, localized support to its global customer base.

For further details on the Karratha service center and Metso’s comprehensive maintenance and repair services, please visit our website.

Further information: 

Chris Gadeke, Regional Manager, Repairs Operations Pilbara Region, Metso, tel. +61 428 194 228, email: chris.gadeke(at)metso.com
Helena Marjaranta, Vice President, Communications and Brand, Metso Corporation, tel. +358 20 484 3212, email: helena.marjaranta(at)metso.com

Metso, a leader in sustainable technologies and end-to-end solutions for the aggregates, minerals processing, and metals refining industries, is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. With close to 17,000 employees across approximately 50 countries and 2024 sales reaching about EUR 4.9 billion, Metso is publicly traded on Nasdaq Helsinki and remains a trusted partner for positive change in the mining sector.

SOURCE: Metso