Outotec Oyj (Espoo, Finland; www.outotec.com) has been awarded two orders, worth a total of EUR 25 million, for the new VSF X Modular Solvent Extraction technology. The orders have been booked in Outotec’s 2016 third quarter order intake.
Outotec will deliver detail engineering and a complete technology package for a modular copper solvent extraction and electrowinning plant for Sardich MC in Kazandol, Macedonia. After leaching oxidic ores, copper will be extracted from the leach solution at the solvent extraction and electrowinning plant to produce high grade cathode copper. The production is expected to start up in the summer of 2017.
Another contract is with the Italian engineering company Desmet Ballestra S.p.A Milano. Outotec will design and deliver a solvent extraction plant to purify fertilizer phosphoric acid before evaporation. The plant will be built in connection with the El Nasr Co. for Intermediate Chemicals (NCIC) fertilizer plant in Egypt. Outotec’s supply includes VSF X technology, license, equipment for crud treatment and a cooling tower. Outotec’s deliveries will take place in the end of 2017, and the entire plant is expected to be operational a year later. In June 2016, Outotec agreed on the delivery of two sulfuric acid plants for the same the project.
“We are happy to be able to provide both Sardich and NCIC our new modular VSF X technology and benefits that come with it – a fast-track delivery and installation as well as environmentally friendly and safe performance of the plant. These new orders also demonstrate that this concept can be used for various solvent extraction applications”, says Jyrki Makkonen, head of Outotec’s Metals, Energy & Water business unit.
VSF X Modular Solvent Extraction technology was launched in 2013, and Outotec has now sold four deliveries. The first plant in South America is already operational.