SNC-Lavalin has been awarded an EPC contract by Rudarsko – Topionicarski Basen Bor Grupa (RTB-Bor) for the modernisation of its existing copper smelting complex in Eastern Serbia. SNC-Lavalin’s portion of the contract is worth approximately C$215 million. The contract was signed following the successful completion of a feasibility study by SNC-Lavalin. The contract is now fully effective following the closing of financing for the project provided by Export Development Canada and arranged through SNC-Lavalin Capital.
The copper smelter upgrade will include a new flash furnace, sulphuric acid plant and effluent treatment plant, and upgrading of the existing facility’s key process areas. When the project is completed, the new facility will provide RTB-Bor with 80,000 t/y of copper anode while reducing liquid and gaseous emission levels to European standards. Work has begun and the project is scheduled for completion in late 2013.

RTB-Bor is a Serbian state-owned mining company and this project is part of a larger initiative of the Government of Serbia to improve environmental conditions and assist in economic recovery in the region. This follows a recent World Bank financing to remediate historical environmental issues.

“This project will ensure that RTB-Bor will have an optimised facility to ensure environmental sustainability and provide economic benefits to the region,” said Feroz Ashraf, Executive Vice-President, SNC-Lavalin Group. “SNC-Lavalin is pleased to provide its world-class expertise in copper and SO₂ capture by supplying leading technology and complete engineering, procurement and construction services for RTB-Bor’s modernisation initiatives. We look forward to developing other key projects in Serbia and in neighbouring countries as part of our multi-product growth strategy in the region.”