Metso Outotec says it will supply cutting edge flotation technology for a “major nickel producer” in Western Australia as part of their concentrator modernisation. Start-up of the new flotation cells is scheduled for 2022. The order value, which is not disclosed, has been booked in Minerals’ Q3/2021 orders received. In a recent presentation at the 2021 Diggers & Dealers event, BHP Nickel West Asset President Eddy Haegel said that the technology is being deployed at its Mount Keith operation where the concentrator capacity is being increased from 10.5 Mt/y to 12 Mt/y and ultimately 15 Mt/y.

Metso Outotec’s delivery includes nickel rougher and cleaner flotation technology based on new and proprietary Concorde Cell™ flotation technology. The Concorde Cell™ uses a high-pressure aerated slurry jet through a choke to force the bubbles and particles to attach. This technology was originally invented by Laureate Professor Graeme Jameson to improve ultrafine particle flotation. Metso Outotec will be launching the Concorde Cell™ technology this autumn.

“Metso Outotec is a leading provider of flotation technology. Thanks to intensive R&D efforts, we have successfully developed the new Concorde Cell™ flotation technology for superior performance in fine and ultrafine particle recovery. This is in response to the global industry trend towards efficient use of the Earth’s resources with more environmentally efficient technologies for more finely disseminated and complex orebodies,” says Paul Sohlberg, Vice President, Separation business line at Metso Outotec. The Concorde Cell™ technology is a part of Metso Outotec’s Planet Positive portfolio.