South America is one of the world's most important mining regions and a key supplier of critical minerals. Backed by a well-established continental footprint and operations in close proximity to key mining regions, Metso combines local expertise, service and repair capabilities, and lifecycle services to help customers improve equipment availability, optimise performance, and increase productivity.
Over the past two years, Metso has invested approximately €45 million to modernise its service centre network across South America. This includes the recently approved investment in a new facility in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The facility, to be built in one of the country's leading mining regions, will strengthen Metso's service capabilities in Brazil and is expected to begin operations in the first quarter of 2028.
Earlier investments include expanded capabilities in Antofagasta, Chile, and Parauapebas, Brazil, and the construction of a new facility in Arequipa, Peru. During the second quarter of 2026, Metso opened a new office in San Juan, Argentina to enable closer, more agile, and strategic collaboration with customers.
As a next step in Argentina, Metso will be investing in robust infrastructure designed for services and specialised technical support to ensure availability and faster response times. Together, these investments strengthen one of the mining industry's most extensive service and repair networks across South America's key mining regions, enabling closer customer support, faster service response times, and enhanced lifecycle services.
"South America is a key market for Metso. We have a strong installed base with around 20 000 Metso units in operation and customers’ ongoing investments continue to support growing demand for services. To help customers improve equipment availability and productivity throughout the lifecycle of their operations, we are continuously investing in our service network in strategic locations in line with our ambition to deliver the industry's best end-to-end customer experience," says Heikki Metsälä, President, Services business area.
Expanding service capacity in Brazil's mining heartland
Growing mining activity, supported by strong critical minerals markets, is increasing demand for repair and maintenance services across Brazil. Metso's existing service hub in Sorocaba operates at full capacity, creating the need for additional service capability close to key mining operations.
Located near Belo Horizonte, the capital of Minas Gerais, the new service centre will strengthen Metso's ability to support customers in one of Brazil's most active mining regions while reducing transportation distances and improving service responsiveness.
The investment is expected to provide capacity for continued business growth.
"We are very excited that our service centres were expanded to increase capacity and all of them are fully equipped to service all new technologies provided for Metso including repairing HRC grinding equipment across the region, with the overhead crane capacity required to handle these high-value assets safely and efficiently. This brings specialised capabilities closer to our customers, enabling faster response and greater operational continuity.
This investment duplicates our capacity and reinforces our leadership in comminution services and our commitment to supporting the mining industry with the capabilities needed for today and tomorrow. Our customers need safe, reliable, and responsive service to keep their operations running at peak performance,” says Eduardo Nilo, President, South America market area.
Strong presence in South America
In addition to its expanding service centre network, Metso has built one of the industry’s broadest footprints across South America, including facilities for rubber and Poly-Met wear parts production, foundry operations, pumps assembly, screening and crushing equipment manufacturing, and a dedicated performance centre. Supported by approximately 3000 experts serving customers throughout the region, Metso combines local presence with global technology leadership.
Its testing and laboratory capabilities, R&D activities, strong sales and field service organisation, and growing service network enable the company to provide market-leading technologies, lifecycle services, and expert support close to customer operations. This comprehensive regional presence helps customers improve performance and productivity while reinforcing Metso's position as a trusted partner to the mining and aggregates industries across South America.