Metso Introduces Sustainable Flowsheet Explorer for Rapid Minerals Processing Assessment

Metso

Metso Revolutionizes Flowsheet Design with SFX Digital Solution

As demand for strategic minerals rises and environmental regulations tighten, the mining industry faces increasing pressure to optimize mineral processing. In response, Metso has launched the Sustainable Flowsheet Explorer (SFX), a cutting-edge digital tool that enables rapid assessment, simulation, and comparison of process flowsheets. SFX provides crucial insights on energy use, water consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, metallurgical performance, and costs—all within minutes instead of weeks.

Enhancing Decision-Making with Digital Innovation

"The Sustainable Flowsheet Explorer streamlines the evaluation of technological alternatives, significantly reducing the time needed for initial assessments," said Rodrigo Grau, Vice President, Process Performance, Minerals Digital at Metso. "By centralizing key performance indicators and offering clear visualizations, SFX enhances informed decision-making from the outset of a project."

SFX integrates Metso’s proprietary HSC Chemistry\u00ae process simulation software and employs a validated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, ensuring accuracy and reliability in evaluating process alternatives. The web-based platform offers a 3D visualization of circuit and full-process flowsheets, from mine to metal, facilitating comprehensive analysis in collaboration with Metso experts.

Optimizing Sustainability and Efficiency in Minerals Processing

Beyond evaluating technological configurations, SFX assesses the impact of automation levels in a concentrating plant, optimizing energy efficiency, water use, and CO2 emissions. It also helps evaluate tailings dewatering strategies, including thickening technologies and advanced filtration systems, contributing to more sustainable mining operations.

With its ability to enhance operational efficiency while reducing environmental impact, Metso’s Sustainable Flowsheet Explorer marks a significant advancement in digital minerals processing, offering mining companies a powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern resource extraction.