Outotec and Finnish multi-metal company Terrafame have agreed on the delivery of pressure leaching and solvent extraction technologies for a battery chemicals plant to be built in Sotkamo.

The two firms had already agreed on a supply deal, but had yet to confirm the specifications.

The total order value booked in the December quarter order intake is approximately €34 million ($39 million).

Outotec has partnered with Terrafame on this project since the prefeasibility study phase, helping the firm design the 170,000 t/y of nickel sulphate and 7,400 t/y of cobalt sulphate plant, which will be built nearby to the company’s existing mine.

“Outotec’s scope of delivery comprises the technology and engineering of the leaching and solvent extraction plants, supply of proprietary equipment as well as advisory services for installation, training, commissioning and start-up,” the company said.

The battery chemicals plant is expected to be ready for commissioning in 2020. As a by-product, the plant will produce approximately 115,000 t/y of ammonium sulphate used as a fertiliser and in process industry.

Kalle Härkki, Head of Outotec’s Metals, Energy & Water business unit, said: “We are pleased to be Terrafame’s trusted technology partner in this project. The demand for battery chemicals is expected to grow significantly in the future and we have the required expertise and proprietary equipment for their processing.”

Terrafame confirmed in October that it would go ahead with building the plant after securing the €240 million ($273 million) it needed for construction.