Outotec is to supply the latest flash smelting technology improvements to the upgrade of  Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper smelter in the US. The contract value is approximately €14 million. Kennecott has operated the Utah copper smelter since 1995 utilising a combination of Outotec Flash Smelting technology and Kennecott-Outotec Flash Converting technology, which has been jointly developed by the two companies. Outotec’s scope of work includes equipment deliveries such as proprietary feeding system, concentrate burner, process control, furnace cooling and anode casting upgrade.

Once completed the upgraded flash furnace will ensure highly efficient production combined with a long campaign life. Flash Smelting combined with Flash Converting is the world’s cleanest technology for primary copper smelting. Outotec states: “Since it makes use of the reaction heat of the feed, copper sulphide concentrate, minimum amount of external fuel is needed in the process. Owing to low volume of process gas and compact and sealed equipment, sulphur capture exceeds 99.9 %. Thanks to its environmental performance the Kennecott Utah Copper smelter has been the world’s benchmark smelter and the upgrade will further improve its position.”

“During our long relationship with Rio Tinto Kennecott Utah Copper since 1984 we jointly developed the Flash Converting technology, built a world-class smelter in Utah, and now continue cooperation in upgrading it with the latest Outotec technologies. We believe that these types of smelter renovations aiming at highly efficient operations and meeting the strictest environmental standards will bring both parties considerable benefits and strengthen cooperation”, noted Jari Rosendal, head of Outotec’s Americas region.