Following the news earlier this month that Outokumpu Technology will deliver to JSC Krasnoyarsk Non-Ferrous Metals Plant (KNFMP) a silver refinery installation to the world’s biggest platinum group metals (PGM) refinery in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Russia, the company has now signed a contract with the world’s largest nickel and PGM producer, MMC Norilsk Nickel, for the modernization of a flash smelting production line at Nadezhda metallurgical plant in Norilsk, Russia. The value of the contract is some €16 million. Outokumpu Technology’s scope in the expansion and modernization project includes engineering, all the equipment and materials for flash smelting furnace No. 1, as well as installation and commissioning services. The updated line will be operational by mid-2008.
Outokumpu Technology and Norilsk Nickel have worked in close co-operation for more than 30 years. Two flash smelting production lines have been in operation in Nadezhda since 1981 and they were expanded and modernized by Outokumpu Technology in 1998 and 2003. "By selecting the latest and most efficient nickel smelting technology, we will strengthen our position as the world’s leading nickel producer. Outokumpu Technology as a partner was a natural choice for us, since we have years of experience in working together", said Tav Morgan, Deputy General Director of Norilsk Nickel.
“Outokumpu Technology’s flash smelting technology is used to produce half the copper in the world, and also more than half of the world’s nickel smelters use this technology. We are delighted to have the opportunity to deliver our latest improvements and technical solutions in flash smelting to the Nadezhda plant", Tapani Järvinen, CEO of Outokumpu Technology noted.
The Flash Smelting Process, first invented in 1949 by Outokumpu, has been awarded the ASM Historical Landmark Status and rated as BAT (Best Available Techniques) production process by the European Union because of its energy saving and environmental benefits. Throughout its life, flash smelting technology has been continuously developed and improved. It is a highly attractive choice for smelting, since it is environmentally sound and makes use of the reaction heat of concentrate without a need for any external energy.