May 31 2007
VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland has signed a cooperation agreement with the Chilean Research Centre for Mining and Metallurgy CIMM (Centro de Investigación Minera y Metalúrgica). Research cooperation is also opening new doors for Finnish industrial companies wishing to export their products to the expanding Chilean market.
The cooperation will cover issues concerning energy, environmental and water resources management in the mining and metallurgy industry, as well as the development of IT solutions - including measuring instruments - for the field. VTT's expertise successfully complements the technological know-how of CIMM's own personnel.
The first project to be launched will be concerned with the development of measuring instruments for the pyrometallurgy sector. Pyrometallurgy refers to the extraction of metals through processes performed at high temperatures.
A research centre and subsidiaries with a staff of some 2.500 employees, CIMM, focuses its research activities on mining industry issues. The centre will act as VTT's partner and representative in the Chilean market. Thanks to its local presence, CIMM will be able to identify the emerging needs of the mining industry and society for which the research partners may together develop and offer new solutions.
Chile is well on its way towards becoming an industrial society. Energy demand in the country is growing by 6-7 per cent annually, which has created the need to consider new solutions for energy production.