Advanced screening technology for aggregate plants. (Image source: Metso)

Metso has expanded its screening solutions portfolio with the introduction of the new Grande Series

The series represents a significant enhancement for mining and aggregates operators, delivering high-performance screening technology designed to optimize capacity, uptime, and operational efficiency across the most demanding continuous-use applications.

The Grande Series introduces three new stationary screen types, GLH, GMF and GFF, each engineered to support high-capacity production environments and deliver improved flexibility. With larger screen sizes than previously available in Metso’s lineup, the range enables customers to achieve greater throughput, minimise maintenance interruptions, and tailor their operations more effectively to meet business objectives.

“It’s all about helping our customers succeed with the right tools for their unique needs. With the newly launched Grande Series, customers gain more flexibility, easier screen replacements, and access to solutions for even the most demanding screening tasks,” commented Jouni Mähönen, vice-president, screening business line, Metso.

Screening options designed for varied operational applications

The GLH horizontal screens are optimised for heavy-duty use, including demanding slurry and water-handling duties in mining operations. Meanwhile, the GMF multi-slope banana screens are built to accommodate high-capacity screening for fine and near-size particle processing.

These additions introduce engineered-to-order configurations and ultra-large screen formats that were previously unavailable in Metso’s stationary screen offerings.

The GFF flip-flow screen type adds further capability by enabling efficient separation of difficult materials and fine fractions, reinforcing Metso’s position as a full-scope screening partner.

Compatibility with Trellex screening media ensures the new series integrates seamlessly with Metso’s broader screening technologies, enabling complete end-to-end solutions for users.

Easier replacement of non-Metso screens and flexible reconfiguration options further support customers looking to enhance or modify existing operations without disruption.

“The Grande Series is a result of our continuous screening portfolio development. We are strengthening Metso’s position as a screening solutions partner – expanding our offering with larger screens, lighter duty screens, and new flip-flow technology. With new technologies, larger sizes, and advanced capabilities, we’re expanding our portfolio to support the most demanding applications and strengthen our position in the growing screening market,” remarked Michael Gyberg, vice-president, capital equipment business, Screening, Metso.

Metso will roll out the Grande Series globally, with the GLH and GMF screens debuting publicly in early December 2025, followed by the GFF Series at the end of the first quarter of 2026.

Expanded screening portfolio and service ecosystem

The new Grande Series complements Metso’s broader offering, which includes UFS Series, EF Series, and BSE Series screens within the Metso Plus program, alongside a comprehensive range of multislope, inclined, horizontal, mobile, portable, and ultrafine screening solutions. Paired with Trellex rubber and polyurethane media systems, Metso provides full-spectrum screening solutions for diverse material-handling needs.

Ivanhoe, QIA deepen minerals alliance

Ivanhoe Mines has formalised a new partnership framework with Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) following the sovereign fund’s recent US$500mn strategic investment in the company.

The MoU was concluded during the visit of His Highness The Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). During his trip, the Amir held discussions with DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on strengthening ties between the two nations, creating the backdrop for the Ivanhoe–QIA agreement.

Under the terms of the MoU, Ivanhoe Mines and QIA have established a broad framework intended to support the discovery, responsible development and long-term supply of critical minerals required for global decarbonisation and next-generation technologies.

Commenting on the agreement, Robert Friedland said, “The signing of the MoU, together with the strategic investment by the Qatar Investment Authority, is a strong vote of confidence in Ivanhoe Mines and our mission to supply the strategic metals that power global electrification and the rise of AI and large-scale datacentres. We are excited to build this long-term, world-class alliance as we unlock new frontiers in our hunt for the next generation of great discoveries, which we will sustainably mine together.”

QIA CEO Mohammed Saif Al-Sowaidi added, “This MoU is a testament of QIA’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with leading suppliers of critical minerals, supporting global efforts to develop new energy infrastructure and power advanced technologies. We are delighted to be working with Ivanhoe Mines and look forward to further growing our partnership, aimed at generating long-term, sustainable prosperity.”

The cooperation framework specifically recognises QIA’s support for Ivanhoe’s ongoing exploration and development pipeline, including the company’s substantial activities at the Western Forelands project in the DRC, where work continues to advance the Makoko District and other promising targets.

Both parties also intend to explore additional joint opportunities across regions of shared interest, covering mining ventures at various stages of development. Potential areas of collaboration include investment or financing agreements, access to QIA’s network of financial institutions for favourable funding of critical minerals projects, and joint consideration of future strategic mergers and acquisitions.

The MoU further sets out avenues for cooperation on enabling infrastructure—such as logistics, energy and water systems—as well as possible downstream initiatives, including smelting and refining capacity for critical minerals in Africa and other global jurisdictions.

Guinea’s Simandou project enters the next stage (Image source: Baowu Resources)

One of the world’s largest mining and infrastructure ventures marked a milestone this week with the start of operations at Simandou in Guinea

The major project partners from the Chinese-led scheme, including WCS, Baowu, Chinalco as well as Rio Tinto, took part in a ceremony at the port in Forécariah prefecture to celebrate the launch of what is Africa’s largest greenfield integrated mine and infrastructure project.

WCS is a consortium between Winning International Group and Weiqiao Aluminium (part of the China Hongqiao Group) and United Mining Suppliers (collectively 51%) and Baowu Resources (49%).

“This milestone reflects years of hard work and strong partnership,” said Winning Consortium chairman Sun Xiushun. “Winning Consortium is proud to have delivered on our commitment and to stand with our partners in bringing Simandou into operation.”

The project is delivering more than 600 kilometres of new multi-use trans-Guinean rail together with barge and transhipment vessel port facilities.

Following commissioning and ramp up, this infrastructure will support the export of a combined total of up to 120 million tonnes per year of mined iron ore by SimFer and WCS from their respective Simandou mining concessions in the southeast of the country.

The Simfer joint venture comprises Simfer S.A., the holder of Simandou South Blocks 3 & 4, which is owned by the government (15%) and Simfer Jersey Limited (85%) — itself a joint venture between Rio Tinto and Chalco Iron Ore Holdings.

Chalco Iron Ore Holdings is a Chinalco-led joint venture of leading Chinese state-owned enterprises, including Chinalco, Baowu, China Rail Construction Corporation and China Harbour Engineering Company.

“The start of operations of the Simandou project is an important achievement guided by the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, noted Chinalco’s president Wang Shilei.

“It reflects the joint efforts and pragmatic cooperation between China and Guinea, contributing to Guinea’s industrialisation and modernisation process.”

Shilei added that Chinalco is committed to working together with all partners to “fully implement the outcomes of the Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation in Beijing, advance the high-quality development of the Simandou iron ore project, take concrete actions to deliver on the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the continued deepening of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Guinea.”

Testing and commissioning of the mine, rail and barge port system infrastructure is now underway, with both WCS and SimFer having commenced the transport of iron ore from mine gate to the port via the trans-Guinean rail line.

Once commissioned, all co-developed infrastructure and rolling stock will be transferred to and operated by the Compagnie du TransGuinéen (CTG), in which Simfer and WCS each hold a 42.5% equity stake, with the government holding the remaining 15%.

Rio Tinto’s CEO Simon Trott said the achievement has been made possible through the hard work of thousands of colleagues, and the complementary strengths and expertise of the company and its various partners.

“Today we are unlocking an exceptional new source of high-grade iron ore that is in demand from customers for low-carbon steel making, enhancing our world-class portfolio of iron ore mines in the Pilbara and Canada.”

Hu Wangming, chairman of China Baowu Group, added that the start of operations marks a “milestone” in the history of the global mining industry.

“Throughout the development process, all parties have maintained a broad perspective and a long-term vision, adhering to the principles of market orientation, rule of law, and internationalisation, ensuring the project’s advancement with high standards and high quality,” Wangming said.

“The stable supply of Simandou’s premium iron ore resources will provide a solid foundation of low carbon raw materials for the development of China’s steel industry and the global steel sector.”

Djiba Diakité, Minister and Chief of Staff to the President and chairman of the Simandou 2040 Strategic Committee, hailed the project as a “driving force” behind national transformation.

“This collective success reflects the vision of the head of state and the determination of an entire nation to build a future of shared prosperity. This inauguration marks a foundational milestone for Guinea, which now stands as a key player in sustainable development and economic sovereignty in West Africa.”

Read more:

First CTG locomotives arrive for Simandou project

XCMG Machinery invests in Africa talent pool

Wabtec nets US$248mn order for TransGuinéen rail locomotives