Outotec will work with Boliden on the delivery of zinc concentrate direct leaching and iron precipitation technologies and site services for the expansion of the Odda zinc production facilities in Norway.
The parties have agreed not to disclose the contract value. Typically such solutions are worth EUR 10-20 million depending on the scope.
Boliden is currently investing in a capacity increase at the Odda zinc plant from 170,000 to 200,000 metric tons (mt) of zinc per year. This plant, on the shore of Hardangerfjord in western Norway, is committed to very strict environmental regulations and sustainable ways of operating. The plant has been using Outotec’s atmospheric zinc concentrate direct leaching process since 2004 and become a benchmark in low emissions, high metal recoveries and operational safety.
Outotec will provide the direct leaching technology, basic and detailed engineering and delivery of proprietary OKTOP reactor plant units for leaching and iron precipitation as well as filters and anode handling machines. In addition, Outotec provides extensive services from engineering to installation, commissioning and start-up. The deliveries will take place during 2015 and 2016.
“We have been working closely with Boliden for decades, and we are pleased to see that our zinc concentrate direct leaching process has been chosen for the expansion again after about 10 years of operation of this process,” said Robin Lindahl, head of the metals, energy and water business area at Outotec.
“Our newly designed reactors will be built with most advanced materials to ensure highest possible overall equipment efficiency. We have also productized the reactor plant units, including the structures and auxiliary systems, which guarantees fast engineering and delivery time associated with good serviceability.”
