Southern Peru Copper Corporation, a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico, has awarded Metso an order for the delivery of state-of-the art tankhouse material handling solutions to its Ilo and Toquepala copper cathode production plants in Peru.

The order value exceeds €10 million ($10.7 million), with Metso’s scope of delivery including cathode stripping machines for the Ilo electrorefinery and Toquepala electrowinning process. The machines are, Metso says, based on proven design to ensure high safety and long-term reliability. Both use modern robotic electrode handling to optimise layout and material handling efficiency in the existing processes.

Mikko Rantaharju, Vice President, Hydrometallurgy business line at Metso, said: “We are pleased to continue our collaboration with Grupo Mexico, with which we have for a long time shared knowledge and provided equipment. At Ilo, new cathode handling technology will be implemented at the tankhouse, whereas in Toquepala, the existing stripping machine will be replaced with a new one.

“In both cases, Metso’s cathode stripping machines will enable stable production fulfilling the material handling requirements of both plants.”

Metso calls itself a leading tankhouse technology supplier for copper refineries. The offering covers key equipment based on proprietary technology, as well as basic engineering, digital solutions and services.