MECS Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont, has been selected to supply the sulphuric acid production technology for two new plants belonging to Corp Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco), one of the world’s largest copper producers. The MECS technology will treat off-gas from the Chuquicamata copper smelter complex in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile.

Longtime MECS partner, SNC-Lavalin, will provide detailed engineering, procurement and construction services for the new plants each of which is expected to produce 2,048 t/d of market-grade sulphuric acid. These plants will replace existing facilities which have become environmentally obsolete.

“MECS technology for Chuquicamata will be designed and custom-built to address the site’s specific needs, especially achieving world-class low emissions and high reliability,” said Kirk Schall, Executive Vice President, MECS. “We are delighted that our best-in-class sulphuric acid production technology will help Chuquicamata site realize its short- and long-term emissions targets while supporting the sustainable production of the Antofagasta region’s most valuable resources. MECS looks forward to partnering with both Codelco and SNC through start-up and with Codelco throughout the life of the new facilities.”

Construction of the two new plants will begin in 2017 and is expected to be completed the following year.

MECS is a world leader in sulfuric acid plant and environmental technologies, providing engineering design, services and high-performance products for the phosphate fertilizer, oil and gas, chemical and non-ferrous metals industries.