In addition, key Jacobs technical staff related to the technology will become Metso employees as part of the deal. The purchase price will not be disclosed.
Iron ore pelletising is used to produce pellets from concentrated iron ore to feed to blast furnace and direct reduced iron plants. Metso anticipates continued growth in this market as more beneficiation and pelletising plants are needed to maximise the output from lower grade ore bodies.
Metso currently offers the Grate Kiln Iron Ore Pelletising system, and with the purchase of the Straight Grate Technology from Jacobs, it says it will become the only supplier in the world of both systems.
Metso will be investing in the ongoing technical development of both technologies.
Metso and Jacobs have worked collaboratively in the past with Metso supplying equipment for Jacobs Straight Grate Systems. The companies anticipate that there will be the opportunity for cooperation in the future in other areas.