METSO: Powering Africa’s Critical Minerals Future

Africa’s mining sector is once again in sharp focus as global demand for critical minerals accelerates, driven by electrification, energy transition projects and the reshaping of international supply chains. In the central mixer of this renewed momentum sits Metso, a global technology and services company whose equipment, process know-how and long-term partnerships are helping to unlock Africa’s mineral potential responsibly and efficiently. With a strong footprint across the continent and a particularly established presence in South Africa, Metso has become a trusted partner to major mining houses seeking reliable solutions tailored to complex local conditions.

Metso’s roots stretch back more than a century, built on engineering expertise that has evolved alongside the mining, aggregates and metals industries. Today, the company operates globally, supplying technology, equipment and lifecycle services that span the entire minerals value chain, from comminution and beneficiation through to smelting and refining. Its offering is increasingly shaped by the twin imperatives of sustainability and performance, with innovations designed to reduce energy and water consumption while improving productivity and safety.

In Africa, this global capability is anchored by strong regional operations. Metso South Africa plays a critical role as a hub for sales, services and technical support, working closely with mining customers across Southern, West, Central and East Africa. By importing advanced technology solutions and combining them with on-the-ground expertise, the business addresses the operational realities of African mines, many of which are expanding output to meet growing international demand for copper, gold and other strategic minerals.

As investment flows back into African mining projects, partnerships that combine technology leadership with regional understanding are becoming increasingly important. Industry observers note a renewed appetite for African minerals, underpinned by stronger collaboration between governments, mining companies and suppliers. Against this backdrop, Metso’s recent contracts and project milestones across the continent underline its role as a key enabler of Africa’s participation in global electrification and energy transition supply chains.

COPPER FOCUS

One of the most significant recent milestones for Metso in Africa is the successful start-up of the Direct Blister Furnace at the Kamoa-Kakula copper smelter in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project represents a major step forward for one of the world’s fastest-growing copper operations, with Metso supplying advanced smelting and anode casting shop technologies designed to deliver high efficiency and sustainability.

Annebel Oosthuizen, Managing Director of Kamoa Copper S.A., highlighted the importance of the achievement, stating: “The successful casting of the first anodes is a significant milestone for us, showcasing the professionalism and dedication of our entire team. Collaboration with Metso during this project has been smooth from the early stages through to commissioning. Metso’s state-of-the-art Direct Blister Furnace and anode casting shop technologies are expected to deliver exceptional operational efficiency, supporting also our commitment to sustainable copper production.”

For Metso, the project demonstrates its ability to deliver complex metallurgical solutions in challenging environments. Copper is a cornerstone mineral for electrification, essential for renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and grid infrastructure. By supporting efficient, lower-emission copper production in the DRC, Metso is directly contributing to the resilience and sustainability of global supply chains.

Jyrki Makkonen, Vice President, Smelting at Metso, reinforced this perspective, saying: “I would like to extend my congratulations to Kamoa Copper and all the teams who contributed to the successful startup of the new copper smelter. We are proud to support Kamoa Copper with our leading solutions in their ambitious expansion, which emphasizes sustainability, safety, and quality with high process performance.”

GOLD GROWTH

Alongside copper, gold remains a vital component of Africa’s mining landscape, and Metso’s recent project wins reflect continued confidence in the continent’s gold sector. In Côte d’Ivoire, Metso has been selected to deliver a complete range of feeders to the Kone gold project, supporting the development of a modern processing plant designed for efficiency and reliability.

The delivery includes apron, belt and vibrating feeders, engineered to integrate seamlessly with Metso’s wider process equipment already ordered for the project. Feeding systems play a critical role in dry comminution circuits, ensuring consistent material flow while protecting downstream equipment from damage and excessive wear.

Leif Berndt, Director, Feeding Solutions at Metso, explained the significance of the technology selection: “The delivery includes a complete range of feeders – apron, belt, and vibrating – designed to integrate seamlessly with Metso’s process equipment previously ordered for the project. The feeders are a critical component of the dry comminution process, ensuring precise connectivity and protection across the circuit. Our large belt feeders feature the Metso Trellex EP2500 Feeder Plus design, delivering superior strength and extended belt life compared to competing solutions.”

Further south, in Namibia, Metso has been awarded a contract to supply key process equipment to Osino Resources’ Twin Hills gold project. The project is one of the most anticipated new gold developments in the country and reflects Namibia’s growing profile as a stable and attractive mining jurisdiction.

Charles Ntsele, Vice President, Minerals Sales, Africa, at Metso, said: “As a leading supplier of process technology globally, Metso is pleased to be selected as a trusted partner for Osino Resources’ flagship Twin Hills gold project in Namibia. Our energy-efficient and water-conscious technology will support Osino Resources in reaching their targets. This project also highlights Metso’s commitment to continued support and development of the Namibian mining industry.”

REGIONAL REACH

Beyond individual projects, Metso continues to invest in strengthening its regional presence to better serve customers across Africa. A recent distribution agreement with Rock Plant marks a strategic move to expand coverage in East Africa, one of the continent’s fastest-growing markets for aggregates and mining.

Through the partnership, Metso aims to enhance responsiveness, technical support and service availability in key countries including Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The collaboration leverages Rock Plant’s established footprint and industry connections, aligning with Metso’s approach of working with strong local partners to deliver consistent customer value.

Ignacio Garcia, Distribution Manager, EMEA North, Metso, commented: “East Africa represents one of the fastest-growing markets in Africa for aggregates and mining. To fully capture this potential, we wanted a partner with a strong local footprint, technical know-how, and a proven service capability. Rock Plant has a long track record in heavy equipment distribution, a solid presence across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, and an experienced team deeply connected with the industry. This partnership allows Metso to strengthen its coverage, improve responsiveness, and ensure consistent customer support across the region.”

These developments sit within a broader context of renewed confidence in Africa’s mining sector. Increased investment, policy reforms and a focus on value addition are reshaping perceptions of the continent’s resource industries. For global technology providers, Africa offers not only growth opportunities but also the chance to support more sustainable and inclusive mining practices.

Looking ahead, Metso’s continued investment in African projects, partnerships and infrastructure reinforces its position as an industry leader on the continent. By combining global technology leadership with deep regional engagement, the company is helping African mines meet rising global demand while improving efficiency, safety and environmental performance. As critical minerals from Africa play an ever more important role in international electrification efforts, Metso’s long-term commitment to the continent positions it as a key partner in shaping the future of mining in Africa. This leadership is built on trust.