With an extensive network of skilled service engineers, technicians, and artisans, FLS ensures that customers benefit from expert support to maintain optimal plant performance.

According to Mikhail Kirienko, Head of Field Services for Europe, Middle East & Africa at FLS, the value of the company’s site services lies in the confidence that customers place in its technical teams.

“By remaining close to our customers and maintaining a regular on-site presence, we build strong trust-based relationships,” says Kirienko. “This gives customers the assurance that we can identify challenges early and implement effective solutions.”

FLS’s regional field services footprint includes teams located in South Africa, Germany, Italy, Serbia, Saudi Arabia, Ghana, Mauritania and Zambia.

Kirienko notes that FLS’s field services are focused on delivering a wide spectrum of services, focusing on maximising equipment availability and minerals recovery while minimising the total cost of ownership for the customer.

“This goes beyond simply being available for maintenance or repairs,” he explains. “Our priority is to help customers keep their equipment in optimal condition, which requires regular assessments benchmarked against OEM standards.”

While global FLS service teams manage the installation and commissioning of new equipment, regional teams are dedicated to supporting customers' operational needs. These teams conduct on-site inspections and provide expert recommendations - whether for minor repairs or complete rebuilds - to ensure equipment consistently delivers maximum performance.

“The delivery, installation and commissioning of equipment is just the beginning of the customer’s journey with FLS,” says Kirienko. “Our field service teams play a vital role in equipment availability and continuous operation optimisation, through regular maintenance and, where appropriate, equipment upgrades or optimisation.”

He highlights that effective maintenance relies on more than just skilled personnel - it also requires the right component or spare parts stock at the right time. This, in turn, depends on a deep understanding of wear patterns and component lifecycles, guided by ongoing equipment condition monitoring.

“This is where an OEM can deliver real value,” he explains. “We not only help customers develop effective strategies for monitoring equipment performance and organising effective maintenance to minimise unplanned downtime but also support customers with process and operation optimisations based on worldwide FLS equipment installations experience leading to more profitable and sustainable business.”

Such proactive support contributes to greater stability in plant performance, laying the foundation for ongoing metallurgical and process optimisation. As Kirienko notes, equipment performance and mineral recovery can often be improved through upgrades to components such as mill linings, crusher linings or screening media.

“However, you can’t assess the impact of these upgrades if plant performance is erratic due to poorly maintained equipment,” he says. “This is why condition monitoring and preventative maintenance are so critical to unlocking a mine or mineral processing plant’s full productivity potential.”

Safety and sustainability are also integral to the value delivered by FLS’s field services. All engineers and technicians working on site comply with strict internal safety protocols - often exceeding mine standards - and are required to hold formal safety certifications.

“We embed sustainability across our service offering, from product stewardship and responsible sourcing to supporting flowsheet efficiency that reduces energy and water consumption,” Kirienko adds. “Our site services ensure these sustainability benefits are maintained and measurable over time.”

“Recognising that each customer and site has its own operational preferences, FLS offers flexible service models. These range from remote support and once-off site visits to regular inspections, shutdown maintenance support and comprehensive service level agreements,” he concludes.