Outotec has been awarded a contract to revamp and upgrade the Potrerillos copper smelter and sulphuric acid plant of Codelco Salvador Division in northern Chile, in order to comply with the new Chilean environmental regulations that are due to come into force in 2018. The value of the order is approximately €64 million, of which one third has been booked in Outotec’s third quarter order intake and the rest in the fourth quarter 2014 order intake.

Outotec’s scope of delivery includes detailed engineering of the revamp, equipment supply and technical assistance during the construction, commissioning and start up of the smelter and acid plant. Equipment deliveries consist of, among other things, gas collecting hoods for the existing converters, revamp of the dry electrostatic and wet precipitators and gas ducts, a catalytic converter and an effluent treatment plant with additional water management plant equipment.

“This is a good example of how Codelco and Outotec work together, combining their efforts to secure business sustainability and the necessary care of environment in a profitable way”, said Kimmo Kontola, head of Outotec’s Americas region. “Through advanced technology we can extend the life cycle of our customers’ facilities. Specialised technical services are always part of a long-term business relationship with our customers, providing added value beyond equipment supply”, added Robin Lindahl, Head of Outotec’s Metals, Energy & Water business area.