Mining
Published May 29, 2026

Delivering integrated, high-performance material handling across Asia Pacific

Metso has long supported mining and port operations across Asia Pacific with reliable bulk material handling technologies, automation expertise, and lifecycle services. The bulk material handling and port solutions offering represents the full scope of these capabilities — a unified way of describing the comprehensive solutions Metso already provides across the region, from pit to plant to port. Backed by over a century of engineering experience and strengthened by strategic local investments, bulk and port reflects the depth and maturity of Metso’s work with Asia Pacific customers.
Apron Feeder Pan wear ICMS heat map
Apron Feeder Pan wear ICMS heat map

A comprehensive offering designed for Asia Pacific operations 

Mining businesses across Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific operate in environments defined by high material volumes, geographically remote assets, and demanding shutdown schedules. Our bulk and port portfolio addresses these conditions with a fully integrated range of solutions including: 

  • Rail car dumpers — design, modernization, integration, installation, and commissioning

  • Apron and belt feeders, including our intelligent condition monitoring system (ICMS) for real-time apron feeder health

  • Conveyor systems, including long-distance and cable belt conveyors

  • Stockyard machines such as stackers and reclaimers

  • Ship loaders and port-side handling equipment

  • Automation integration, control upgrades, and operational optimization

  • With more than 8,000 bulk material handling machines installed globally, we combine proven design with deep regional engineering knowledge to support safe, efficient, and sustainable material flow. 

Strengthened Asia Pacific capability through integrated automation expertise 

Metso’s long-standing bulk and port handling expertise in Asia Pacific has been further strengthened through two strategic acquisitions: Brouwer Engineering in 2023 and MRA Automation in 2026. 

Through Brouwer Engineering, we expanded our automation capability across PLC, SCADA, and HMI platforms, along with advanced simulation and control system integration for mining operations. This enables us to deliver end-to-end solutions where mechanical systems and automation are engineered, integrated, and commissioned as one. 

MRA Automation, based in Newcastle, New South Wales, adds specialized experience in stockyard and port-side automation. Its proprietary smart software platform Axo33™ provides an edge-enabled automation platform that connects stockyards, ship loaders, trains, and logistics, enabling integrated control and optimization across bulk material handling operations. Axo33™ uses a digital twin to coordinate machines, material flow, and planning decisions in real time.  

This shift from standalone machine control to fully coordinated, system-level optimization is already being realized in operational environments, where smart automation platforms are delivering measurable improvements in throughput, efficiency, and safety across pit-to-port supply chains.

Together, our combined teams provide Asia Pacific customers with: 

  • A larger local automation and engineering workforce 
  • Greater capacity for complex brownfield upgrades 
  • Integrated mechanical, electrical, and software delivery through a single provider 
  • Enhanced automation for stockyards, terminals, and port operations 
  • Streamlined project execution, reduced shutdown duration, and improved reliability 
These capabilities allow us to act as a single accountable partner, supporting bulk and port systems across their full lifecycle – with greater depth, efficiency, and regional alignment than ever before.
Apron Feeder Intelligent Condition Monitoring (ICMS) wear prediction tools
Apron Feeder Intelligent Condition Monitoring (ICMS) wear prediction tools

Pathways for digital modernization and mechanical upgrades 

As assets age and operational requirements evolve, we provide structured pathways for digital modernization and mechanical upgrades — enabling customers to extract maximum value from existing equipment while managing risk and capital spend. 

Future-proof assets and defer capital spend 

Our upgrade solutions prioritize lifecycle extension over full replacement. This allows customers to defer major capital investment while gaining access to state-of-the-art capabilities such as autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, smart digital solutions, and enhanced safety functionality. Aging assets can continue to meet evolving performance, compliance, and operational expectations. 

Improve reliability and uptime 

Modernised systems deliver higher availability and durability under harsh operating conditions. We focus on strengthening system reliability, directly supporting production stability and reducing the risk associated with unplanned outages. 

Enhance performance through advanced technology 

By integrating advanced designs, materials, automation, and digital tools, we help customers improve efficiency, control, and overall system performance. Digital twins enable forward planning of stock movements and material quality from pit to port, while machine activity is optimised for efficient operation and collision avoidance. 

Reduce operating risk and cost 

Predictive maintenance, remote operation, real-time monitoring, and data-driven optimization reduce unplanned downtime and lower maintenance costs. These upgrades deliver safer operations and improved cost competitiveness over the full asset lifecycle. 

Why automation matters for Asia Pacific customers 

Automation plays a critical role in improving safety, efficiency, and sustainability across mining and port facilities throughout Asia Pacific. Automated control systems deliver: 

  • Adaptive data-driven decisions ensure consistent accuracy and repeatability, reducing operational variation 
  • Lower exposure of personnel to hazardous tasks and environments 
  • Optimised energy use and reduced waste 
  • Lower long-term operating and maintenance costs 

Our automation specialists assess ageing systems, design modern replacements, and integrate new control architectures, ensuring improved uptime, safer operations, and extended equipment life. 

Proven delivery: Asia Pacific project success 

A recent example of our bulk and port capability is a major rail car dumper upgrade completed for a key mining customer in Australia. The project included design, software development, installation, integration, and commissioning.  

Despite tight shutdown constraints, we delivered the project ahead of schedule and without incident, improving safety, reliability, and asset longevity. This outcome highlights the value of a single provider approach, where Metso takes system-level responsibility across mechanical equipment, automation, integration, and commissioning for critical shutdown work. 

An example of the stockyard digital twin
An example of the stockyard digital twin. The digital twin shows the 5 meter bench heights in different colors and the 3D laser rainbow arrays scanning the reclaiming face.

Local service footprint across Asia Pacific

Metso’s regional service network remains a key differentiator, providing fast, reliable support across Australia and the wider Asia Pacific region. The opening of the Karratha Service Centre — our largest globally — reinforces this commitment. 

Through our regional footprint, we support customers with: 

  • Strategically located service centres 
  • Skilled field service teams for onsite work, shutdowns, and diagnostics 
  • Local component repair capability 
  • Full lifecycle support 

This local presence enables faster response times, reduced logistics emissions, and improved service reliability for remote operations.  

Delivering integrated, high-performance material handling 

Metso’s bulk material handling and port solutions capability brings together engineered equipment, advanced automation, digital modernization, and lifecycle service into a single, integrated offering. 

By combining strong regional engineering resources with a comprehensive service footprint, we deliver reliable, efficient, and safe material handling solutions that keep operations moving — from pit to plant to port.

Metso stacker
Mining