MINERAL PROCESSING – New copper technology for Spanish plant

SPAIN - OUTOKUMPU TECHNOLOGY of Finland will supply hydrometallurgical technology for Cobre Las Cruces, a subsidiary of Toronto-based INMET MINING (www.InmetMining.com). The value of Outokumpu's contract is approximately Cdn$64.7 million.

Outokumpu has already completed basic engineering for the copper plant. Now it will supply process know-how and key equipment in grinding, thickening, leaching, Outokumpu VSF solvent extraction, the tank farm and electrowinning plant. The company will also provide related supervisory services for all implementation phases from installation to commissioning.

Cobre Las Cruces is building the only greenfield copper project in Europe. It is schedule to begin production in early 2008. The new plant, located near Seville, will produce 72,000 tonnes of LME Grade A copper cathodes annually. Total capital cost of the project is Cdn$546.0 million.

Visit www.OutokumpuTechnology.com to learn more about Outokumpu's innovations in copper recovery.