Metallurgical manufacturing for the mining industry
High-strength parts for processing plants, fluid lines, and pumping equipment in open-pit and underground mining operations.
The challenge of mining
Argentine mining — with projects like Veladero, Cerro Vanguardia, Alumbrera, and lithium deposits in the Puna — imposes particular mechanical demands. Mineral processing generates a highly abrasive environment: rock particles, slurries with high solid content, impact cycles, and constant vibration. Metal components in process lines, pumps, and auxiliary equipment suffer accelerated wear that demands frequent replacements with tight deadlines. Unlike oil, where API standards clearly define specifications, in mining the requirements are often specific to each plant and each piece of equipment. The manufacturer needs the ability to interpret drawings, select materials suitable for abrasive service, and deliver parts that fit without rework in equipment that is in operation. A late or incorrectly fitting replacement can stop a processing line with significant losses. Logistics adds another layer: mining operations are frequently in remote areas, and delivery timelines must account for transport to site.
How Vitalmet responds
Vitalmet applies its expertise in precision machining and material selection to the mining context. We manufacture pump parts for slurry and process fluid pumping, selecting high wear-resistance materials (treated carbon steels, alloy steels, special castings as appropriate). Unions and elbows for process lines are manufactured with thicknesses and materials suitable for withstanding the abrasion and pressure of mineral transport lines. The flexibility of our plant allows regular replacement series and unique custom pieces, with competitive lead times and the technical documentation required by maintenance and procurement teams at mining operators. We understand that in mining the reliability of a replacement part is as important as its price, and we work to ensure each part performs as expected from the first installation. We offer heat treatment (quenching, tempering, carburizing, nitriding) with final hardness certificate for parts that require it.
Products × Standards
Application matrix by sector
| Product | Standard | Sour Service | Custom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pump spare parts | Per specification | No | Yes |
| Elbows | ASME B16.9, ASME B16.11 | No | Yes |
| Unions | ASME B16.11, ASME B16.5 | No | Yes |
| Industrial valves | ASME B16.34 | Yes | Yes |
| Bell nipples | Per drawing | No | Yes |
| Pup joints | API Spec 11B | Yes | No |
| BX ring gaskets | API 6A | Yes | No |
FAQ
We select the material based on the specific service. For pump parts and slurry lines, we work with high-hardness carbon steels, alloy steels with heat treatment, and, when required, castings with high chromium or molybdenum content.
Yes, this is our standard approach. We receive the drawing or sample, analyze dimensions and material, and manufacture to the required tolerances.
Single custom pieces: 10 to 25 business days depending on complexity. Replacement series: staggered delivery plan for continuous supply.
Yes, we serve operators and contractors working on the main mining projects in the country.
Yes, we coordinate quenching and tempering, carburizing, and nitriding heat treatments with a certificate including verified final hardness.
We apply 100% dimensional control on critical parts with recorded measurements. Additionally, we offer liquid penetrant or magnetic particle inspection as required.
Yes, our plant is organized to handle both large batches and single pieces with the capacity to prioritize urgent orders.
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