FLSmidth signed a contract, valued at around DKK950 million ($130 million), to supply a range of mineral processing equipment to ShalkiyaZinc, the operator of a zinc and lead mine in southern Kazakhstan. The equipment will transform the plant into a world-class facility that efficiently separates minerals with a minimized environmental impact.
Under the agreement, FLSmidth will supply two underground crushing stations with a material handling system to the process plant, a full package of comminution and separation equipment, including SAG and ball mills, mill circuit pumps and cyclones, the zinc-lead concentrate flotation and regrinding circuit, including nextSTEP, VXP vertical mills, concentrate thickeners, and Pneumapress filters, reagents preparation and dosing area. Full plant automation is also included, as well as installation and commissioning supervision services. The new concentrator will be supported from the company’s new in-country service Supercentre in Karaganda.
“We are excited to receive this first order from ShalkiyaZinc, which highlights our full flowsheet expertise. The wide range of equipment included in the order will help ShalkiyaZinc save on both CAPEX and OPEX; our new nextSTEP flotation technology will improve the quality of the concentrates, the SAG mill will provide more flexibility, while the automation and digital solutions will further enable water and energy savings alongside safer operations. We look forward to making this a success on so many levels,” said Mikko Keto, Group CEO at FLSmidth.
The contract is subject to receipt of the down payment by FLSmidth. The equipment delivery is to be completed during 2024, with commissioning to start before the end of that year.
“After testing and basic design work executed by FLSmidth, we are pleased to enter this new phase of collaboration with the procurement of critical technologies to improve the productivity and sustainability of our plant. We believe in the successful execution and look forward to receiving the ordered equipment according to the schedule for installation and to continue working with FLSmidth on commissioning services and spare parts,” comments Assel Rakhimova, Chief Project Director of Tau-Ken Samruk.
