Outotec has agreed with Boliden on the delivery of zinc concentrate direct leaching and iron precipitation technologies and site services for the expansion of the Odda zinc production facilities in Norway. The parties have agreed not to disclose the contract value but typically such solutions are worth 10-20 million depending on the scope. The order has been booked in Outotec’s 2015 first quarter order intake. Boliden is a leading resources company in the Nordic countries and Ireland, and is currently investing in a capacity increase at the Odda zinc plant from €170,000 to 200,000 t/y of zinc.

This plant, on the shore of Hardangerfjord in western Norway, is committed to very strict environmental regulations and sustainable way of operating. The plant has been using Outotec’s atmospheric zinc concentrate direct leaching process since 2004 and become a benchmark in low emissions, high metal recoveries and operational safety. Outotec’s solution comprises the direct leaching technology, basic and detailed engineering and delivery of proprietary OKTOP® reactor plant units for leaching and iron precipitation as well as filters and anode handling machines. In addition, Outotec provides extensive services starting from engineering to installation, commissioning and start-up. The deliveries will take place during 2015 and 2016.

“We have been working closely with Boliden for decades, and we are pleased to see that our renowned zinc concentrate direct leaching process has been chosen for the expansion again after about 10 years of operation of this process. Our newly designed reactors will be built with most advanced materials to ensure highest possible overall equipment efficiency. We have also productized the reactor plant units, including the structures and auxiliary systems, which guarantees fast engineering and delivery time associated with good serviceability”, says Robin Lindahl, Head of Metals, Energy & Water business area at Outotec.