FLSmidth reported it sold three complete process islands to Gold Fields for the Salares Norte project in Chile. The large Downstream Gold product line project comprises a Merrill Crowe island, an AARL elution circuit, and a refinery.
The islands were selected for their quality and durability, FLSmidth reported.
FLSmidth said, considering how few new mines are being opened, the order is a testament to the viability of FLSmidth offerings. “These orders are the result of work well done and close collaboration,” Jorge Carvajal, project sales director, FLSmidth, said. “This, in conjunction with a strong focus on our customer during the entire process, was crucial in solidifying our position as a key technical solutions provider in the gold market.”
The process plant will treat 2 million metric tons (mt) of ore per year and is expected to produce an average of 2.6 million oz of silver and 286,000 oz of gold annually during its first seven years.
The mine is at 4,500 m in elevation in the Atacama region of northern Chile.
Separately, Technology Metals Australia selected FLSmidth to supply solutions for the roasting kiln section of its Gabanintha vanadium processing plant in Western Australia.
The award follows successful pilot testing for the feasibility study, during which a bulk sample of magnetic concentrate was roasted. The contract includes an engineering study and the supply of the complete roasting kiln section of the plant.
FLSmidth said the contract shows how the company is a leading equipment supplier in the battery minerals sector. “FLSmidth is well placed to support this growing mining segment,” Manfred Schaffer, president, mining, FLSmidth, said.
Vanadium is used in steel alloys and in vanadium redox flow batteries.
