Metso's new rubber-lined truck body increases payload at Terrafame

Terrafame's multi-metal mine in Sotkamo, Finland, has become the first globally to test Metso's new lightweight truck body featuring a rubber lining. The Metso Truck Body design enables the transport of almost 9 tonnes additional payload per cycle, significantly boosting the mine's hauling efficiency.

Esa-Tapani Leinonen, Head of Mining Department at Terrafame Sotkamo Mine, confirmed that initial testing experiences have been positive. "The capacity and durability match Metso's promises. Higher payload and driver comfort are top priorities for us," Leinonen stated. Notably, the rubber lining is reported to reduce noise during loading by approximately half and effectively dampen vibrations.

According to Metso, the design aimed to combine a lightweight structure with durability. "The body's lower weight when empty also increases cost efficiency," explained Timo Sarvijärvi, Head of Mining Sales Finland at Metso. He noted that a rubber-lined body is approximately 10 decibels quieter than a conventional steel body.

The truck body has undergone successful trials on Terrafame's oldest haul truck, a Hitachi EH3500 with over 50,000 operating hours. The mine operates 24/7, hauling ore extracted from a deep open pit. Terrafame's production includes nickel, zinc, copper, and cobalt, in addition to gypsum.