Metso and Loesche Partner on Sustainable Dry Grinding Technology

In a move to drive greater sustainability in minerals processing, Metso Corporation and Loesche GmbH have announced an exclusive partnership to introduce the groundbreaking Metso Loesche VRM dry grinding technology. According to the press release, the new technology combines Metso's expertise in comminution and Loesche's leadership in vertical roller mill (VRM) design. The goal is to provide a more energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional wet grinding processes. 'This partnership represents a major step forward in sustainable minerals processing,' said Antti Kaunonen, President of Metso's Minerals business area. 'By leveraging our complementary capabilities, we can deliver a transformative dry grinding solution that significantly reduces energy consumption and emissions compared to conventional methods.' The Metso Loesche VRM technology is designed for a wide range of applications, including cement, mining, and industrial minerals. Key benefits cited by the companies include up to 40% lower energy use, reduced water consumption, and lower maintenance costs. 'Developing innovative technologies that drive sustainability is a core priority for both Metso and Loesche,' added Dr. Matthias Ermrich, CEO of Loesche GmbH. 'This partnership allows us to jointly raise the bar for sustainable comminution, setting a new benchmark for the industry.' The announcement comes as mining and minerals processors face growing pressure to improve their environmental footprint. Regulators, investors, and end-customers are all demanding more sustainable production methods. Technologies like the Metso Loesche VRM could help the industry meet these evolving requirements. According to gCaptain, the new dry grinding solution is expected to be commercially available in 2027 following a joint development phase. The companies plan to work closely with customers to pilot the technology and gather feedback to further refine the offering. 'This partnership represents an important milestone in the industry's journey toward greater sustainability,' concluded Kaunonen. 'We're excited to collaborate with Loesche and bring this transformative technology to the market.'