Outotec to deliver large grinding mills to Zambia

outotecOutotec and the mining and metals company First Quantum Minerals Limited (FQML) have agreed on the delivery of an additional three grinding mills to FQML’s subsidiaries in Zambia to complement Outotec’s previous process equipment deliveries. The total value of the new orders is about EUR 15 million.

Outotec’s delivery includes two ball mills and one SAG mill, all of which are based on Outotec’s proprietary grinding mill technology. The largest of the ball mills – dia 8.5 m by 13.4 m long (28′ x 44′) with 22 MW power – is equal in size to the largest ball mill ever manufactured The ball mill has a capacity of 25 million tonnes per annum and it will be installed at the Kanshanshi mine expansion in Zambia.

The Kansanshi mine is the largest copper mine in Africa, located in the northwest of Zambia. Outotec has previously delivered a substantial amount of the key processing equipment for the Kansanshi mine, including one of the world’s largest SAG mills – dia 12.2 m by 8.8 m long (40′ x 29′) with 28 MW – and three other mills, multiple flotation cells and thickeners. Outotec’s deliveries to the Kanshanshi mine alone amount to over EUR 100 million.

“Long lasting customer relationships such as the one with FQML are very valuable and mutually beneficial. The size and power of the grinding mills we are now delivering to FQML is an impressive confirmation of our capabilities to deliver the largest comminution equipment available. The very large grinding mills are becoming an industry standard due to customers’ needs to process large quantities efficiently with reduced energy consumption. Our proprietary mill technology responds to these needs”, says Jari Rosendal, President – Non-ferrous Solutions business area.

Outotec provides leading technologies and services for the sustainable use of Earth’s natural resources. As the global leader in minerals and metals processing technology, Outotec has developed over decades many breakthrough technologies. The company also provides innovative solutions for industrial water treatment, the utilization of alternative energy sources and the chemical industry. Outotec shares are listed on NASDAQ OMX Helsinki. www.outotec.com