First Quantum Minerals tapped MECS, a subsidiary of Elessent Clean Technologies, for the Kansanshi Smelter Expansion at the Kansanshi mine in Solwezi, Zambia. MECS will redesign the existing sulphur-burning sulphuric acid plant into a copper smelter off-gas recovery sulphuric acid plant.
The redesign incorporates the MECS catalyst for low emissions and high conversion; Brink mist eliminators for mist elimination; and ZeCor alloy towers, ZeCor pump tank, and UniFlo acid distributor technology for operational reliability and efficiency.
The transition to a copper smelter off-gas recovery acid plant will enable First Quantum to reduce emissions from the existing copper smelter, increase production at the mine, and supply more copper to the global market, which will enable the adoption of greener technologies, MECS said. The Kansanshi Smelter Expansion begins in 2025.
