Outokumpu Technology has agreed the delivery of three TankCell-300 flotation cells to OceanaGold’s Macraes operation in New Zealand. TankCell-300, with an active capacity of over 300 m3, is the largest mechanical flotation cell in the world. The Macraes delivery will be the first such installation and represents a significant development for flotation technology in general.

Outokumpu Technology will provide the complete flotation circuit at Macraes and is responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the three cells, with completion scheduled for mid 2007.

OceanaGold’s Macraes mine is New Zealand’s largest producer of gold, with the annual capacity to process 6 Mt. A single train configuration of 1/1/1 TankCell-300s, combined with two existing TankCell-150s, will replace the site’s original three trains of column flotation, representing a significant reduction not only in footprint, but also in operating costs such as maintenance and spare parts. The larger TankCell design also offers optimized froth stability for low-grade ores, as well as ongoing savings from lower air and power consumption.

The TankCell-300 units at Macraes will also feature the latest field-proven and patented FloatForceTM mixing technologies developed by Outokumpu Technology.