Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3 issue

THIRD QUARTER 2019

VOLUME 9 |3

See Directory pp25-27

CUSTOMIZED SOLUTIONS In times of rapidly changing markets, you want your business partner to deliver solutions tailored to your needs. We listen. We learn. We deliver: in close Collaboration with you, we design simple customized solutions. Fast and flexible, we implement advanced technologies in line with your requirements. Whatever you envision, we will make it happen for you.

Leading partner in the world of metals

n Key Words: Vancouver barometer favourable n News: Steam plant Oyu Tolgoi RMI and ICA New reports n New Frontiers: COM + Copper EMC 2019 Cu technologists n Hydrometallurgy: New filters Tailings in focus n Primary: Flash smelting turns 70 n Recycling and scrap: SMM looks at China scrap n Products: High bay storage In-field analysis n Event Previews: LME Week Asia Copper Week IMARC SIPS 2020 Schedule n Contracts: Andritz moves China projects New equipments El Teniente n Supplier Directory Always get what you want here

www.sms-group.com

ISSN 2046-9438

Customized Solution_A4_e.indd 1

www.copperworldwide.com

09.11.17 11:32

CONTENTS | 1

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

Key Words

4,5

Phillip Mackey’s postcard from Vancouver

News

6,7

Aurubis steams up; GIFA-GMTN report; Oyu Tolgoi costs rise; Cu2 in FRP study;

RMI and ICA; Chinese call on Danieli Fröhling

S4,S5

Smart homes; Green BHP; Roskill report; ICSG Directory;

Mayr at IWCC

New Frontiers

3,8

COM + Copper review by Chris K. Holding; 17th China International

Copper Conference; EMC 2019 reviewed; GDMB Events

Chinese mining company Zijin Mining Group Company Limited has chosen FLSmidth to provide a gyratory crusher, SAG mill and ball mill to the Majdanpek mine, which forms part of their newly purchased Zijin Bor Copper mine group.

Inside this issue NEW FRONTIERS FOR COPPER

S6,S7

Copper 2019 technologists and their wares

HYDROMETALLURGY

S8,S9

New filter ranges; Arizona Tailings Forum; Olympic

Dam trials; Twin Metals goes dry; Copper 2019

Codelco is investing in expanding its El Teniente output (see Page S12)

Contracts & People

S11

China project update; Bakker and Pugh join Andritz; KÜTTNER on

WEEE; Weir and Schenck gain orders

S12

FLSmidth in Chile; Metso at El Teniente; Energy reducing

IsaMillTM spacers

S13

ABB stockyard system; Peltonen heads Boliden Smelters;

Metso Outotec

Supplier Directory

25-27

Get the best results here

papers; Tailings management

PRIMARY SMELTING

S10

Boxbay storage system; FAST in-field analysis; Inline process measurement

RECYCLING AND SCRAP PROCESSING

28

Detailed SMM analysis of the Chinese scrap sector

Front Cover SMS group is a global, leading partner for the

of flash smelting

metal industry. As a family-owned business

Metplant 2019; ICA / IWCC Workshop; 15th Asia Copper

Conference; IMARC 2019; Otto Junker Academy; LME Metals Seminar

24

25

Outotec celebrates 70 years

EVENT PREVIEWS

S14

PRODUCT INFORMATION

headquartered in Germany, quality and innovation is in our DNA. We are committed to the success of our customers and strive to add value along the entire value chain of the global metal industry.

We design customised solutions. Fast and flexible, we implement advanced technologies in line with your requirements. Whether you want a

SIPS 2019; Sulphur + Sulphuric Acid

new production plant or a revamp of your existing

2019; Asia Copper Week; CRU World

equipment, it’s crucial that you have a reliable

Copper Conference 2020; 25 years at ALTA 2020;

partner with extensive knowhow and experience.

Copper 2020 coming in Lima

www.sms-group.com

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

2 | COPPER WORLDWIDE A-Z

www. c op p e r wor l d w i de. co m

Companies COMPANY NAME

Volume No: 9 Date:

Issue No: 03 Third Quarter 2019

PAGE NO

COMPANY NAME

PAGE NO

COMPANY NAME

PAGE NO

ABB.................................................................. S13

GDMB............................................................ 8, S3

P. J. Mackey..................................................... 4, 5

Publisher: Chris K Holding BSc BEng

ALTA 2020.................................................... 6, 24

Gecamin............................................................. S9

Polymet Solutions............................................. S6

Andritz Group................................................. S11

GIFA-GMTN 2019.............................................. 6

Publishing Consultant: John Clarke

15th Asia Copper Conference........................ S14

Glencore............................................................... 6

Asia Copper Week 2019........................... S14, 24

Glencore Technology.................................. 4, S12

Contributing Editors: Phillip Mackey Jonathan Barnes

Aurubis.......................................................4, 6, S5

Global Brass and Copper................................. S5

BBA...................................................................... 3

Hatch.................................................................... 3

Roskill................................................................ S4

Heath & Sherwood (1964) Limited................. S7

SensoTech.......................................................... 25

IT/www Contact: webmaster@copperworldwide.com Managing Director: Chris K Holding copper@atrium5.plus.com

Beijing Antaike Information Development.... 8, S11 BHP .............................................................S4, S9 Boliden Smelters......................................... 8, S13 CA Group........................................................... S7 CEEC............................................................... S14 CESCO........................................................... 7, 24

Published by Metallic Media Ltd 5 Dennis Road Wimborne, Dorset BH21 3NF United Kingdom Tel: +44(0)7731 784798 e-mail: office@copperworldwide.com www.copperworldwide.com Distribution: free to managers involved in the various stages of the copper industry: Production of primary or secondary copper and associated refining; recycling, melting and casting operations; processing of copper by extrusion, rolling and tube/wire drawing for the manufacture of semi-finished products or fabrications; or involved in the manufacture of components and structures from copper alloys; and who are involved in the buying process for equipment and materials.

All other categories of reader are invited to subscribe at £80.00 to UK, and Non-UK is: Surface £98.00, e125.00, $170 USD Airmail: £120.00, e150.00, $200 USD Single copy £28, e40, $55 incl. p&p.

The articles within Copper Worldwide are copyright and are the property of the publisher Metallic Media Limited and cannot be reproduced in any media form without permission of the publisher. Application should be made in writing to the above address, or by e-mail to office@copperworldwide.com Reprints of articles and advertisements are available, allow 28 days for delivery. PDF pages available by e-mail. Prices on application to the publisher.

Instead of Reader Reply cards, we are now including a contact website address with stories at the sole discretion of the Editor. You may submit your enquiries with the item titles, page and your full address, telephone, fax using the contact form on: www.copperworldwide.com

Magazine Production Toni Barrington, The Magazine Production Company Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, BN43 5EG, UK Tel: +44 (0)1273 467579 info@magazineproduction.com

China ENFI......................................................... 5 China Nonferrous Mining................................. 8 Cochilco............................................................... 7 Codelco......................................................... 1, 3, 4 COM + Copper 2019.................................... 3, S3 Copper 2020 (InterMet)................................... 24

International Copper Association.......7, S4, S14 ICMM................................................................. S9 IERC 2020............................................................ 6 IMARC............................................................. S14

Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) ........... 7 RHI Magnesita.................................................. S7 Rio Tinto.............................................................. 6

Shanghai Metal Markets (SMM)..................... 28 Schenck Process.............................................. S11 SGS..................................................................... 25

IMN Gliwice........................................................ 8

SIPS 2019........................................................... 24

International Copper Study Group.....................

SMS group..................................................... 1, 25

................................................ 3, 5, 7, S4, S5, S8

Sulphur + Sulphuric Acid 2019...................... 24

International Wrought Copper Council.....S5, S14 Katanga Mining................................................ S5 Kuettner Group............................................... S11 LME Metals Seminar..................................... S14

Teck Resources.................................................... 4 The Copper Mark (ICA).............................. 7, S5 TMS.................................................................... S3

Metalex............................................................... S7

Twin Metals....................................................... S9

Cu2 Consulting................................................. 24

Metallo Group................................................... S5

UrbanGold......................................................... S6

Danieli (Fröhling) Germany............................. 7

Metplant........................................................... S14

EMC 2019............................................................ 8

Metso..................................................S8, S12, S13

Fastmarkets MB Events................................. S14

Metsoc-CIM................................................... 3, S3

Flogen................................................................. 24

METTOP........................................................... S6

FLSmidth...........................................1, 6, S8, S12

Otto Junker...................................................... S14

19th World Copper Conference (CRU Events)....24

Freeport McMoRan (FCX)........................ 3, 4, 7

Outotec..................................S7, S8, S9, S10, S13

Zijin Mining........................................................ 6

Weir Minerals.................................................. S11 Wieland Group.................................................. S5 World Bureau of Metal Statistics...................... 7

Advertisers COMPANY NAME

PAGE NO

COMPANY NAME

PAGE NO

COMPANY NAME

PAGE NO

Alex Stewart International....................................27

Heath & Sherwood (1964) ..............................S7, 27

PolyMet Solutions............................................S6, 26

ALTA 2020.............................................................24

Holton Crest...........................................................25

Primetals Technologies.........................................27

Andritz Maerz..................................................26, 27

hpl-Neugnadenfelder.............................................26

RHI Magnesita..............................................Cover 2

Asia Copper Conference (Fastmarkets MB)....S15, 23

Kopar.......................................................................25

Saint Gobain.......................................................8, 26

Asia Copper Week.................................................24

Kumera Corporation.................................25, 26, 27

Schenck Process...............................................26, 27

CA Group................................................................S7

Küttner GmbH........................................ S10, 26, 27

SMS group.....................................................Cover 1

Combilift.................................................................26

Metalex..............................................................25, 27

SMS group (PolyMet)......................................S6, 26

Danieli Froehling........................................8, 26, 27

Mettop........................................................ S6, 25, 26

UrbanGold................................................. S6, 25, 26

HarbisonWalker International.............................26

MINO.......................................................Cover 4, 27

Weir Minerals.........................................................26

Another interesting year unfolding – Discover the ISSUES affecting copper now!

The next Vol 9 No 4 issue of Copper Worldwide is published in November/December 2019. Scheduled features include Secondary Smelting, Thermal Processing / Pyrometallurgy, Focus on Rolling / Technology, Extrusion Process Technology, Quality Control and Analysis, Copper Segmental Study, South America Insight, Profiles and Reviews, and more. The 2020 PRIMARY WALLMAP is also scheduled. Supporting website www.copperworldwide.com features up-to-date content and event details. Thank you to all advertisers once again. All correspondence welcome.

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

www.copperwor ldw ide. co m

NEW FRONTIERS FOR COPPER | 3

Reading the Vancouver barometer As anticipated, COM + Copper 2019 was one of the largest international technical copper events imaginable, writes Chris K. Holding. Copper 2019 was the 10th edition and this was the 58th Annual Conference of Metallurgists.

Now we have a reading from the Vancouver barometer - the outlook is optimistic.

Plenaries

The Plenary lecture ‘Copper Market Drivers for the Short & Long Term’ was delivered

by Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer of Freeport-McMoRan, Steve Higgins. He highlighted the opportunity to use big data and artificial intelligence to optimise copper production, especially as mines get older with lower grade ore.

The talk ‘Global Copper Value Chain Challenges 20202 0 2 5’ w a s p r e s e n t e d b y Carlos Risopatron, Director of Economics and Environment for the International Copper Study Group. He began with “There is something very mystic about copper. It’s everywhere in your life and you encounter it every day whether you notice or not.”

Recycling-wise, the capacity of the smelters to treat scrap is Clockwise from upper left: Copper 2019 Chair Joël Kapusta, BBA Inc., welcoming delegates to Vancouver; COM + Copper 2019 - Another popular Happy Hour in the limited, and when prices are low, Exhibition area; The Copper Worldwide Souvenir Publication at COM + Copper 2019; There was a convivial atmosphere for productive discussions copper scrap vanishes anywhere outside of metal scrap yards. When prices are high or recovering as in 2018. Around 170 ktpy of capacity, including Musonoi and Somidez, 2017, you see a lot of scrap competing against refined copper at the gates was due for commissioning in 2019. A further 95 kt is anticipated to be of fabricators, but when refined prices go down manufacturers will take commissioned in 2020. Elsewhere Babak Copper (50 ktpy) in Iran and the refined copper instead of the scrap. South East Asia is struggling to Gunnison Copper in the USA are expected to come online in 2019. receive and process all the copper and waste scrap rejected by China At Toyo Smelter & Refinery tank house #2, anode weight was increased from developed economies and at the same time developing a copper to improve productivity. Current efficiency decreased initially after the scrap dismantling industry. increase in anode weight, but improvements were made by improved Christian Dümmer, Deputy Director to the CEO, Codelco, said social rectification of distortion at the bottom of cathodes and widened facescrutiny is well beyond regulations. Firms need to keep options open to-face distance of electrodes by changing the shape of the anode. Thus in current conditions. Codelco is implementing a new governance for its 350 A/m2 current density was sustained. At Toyo #1 and Niihama innovation. How do you innovate if you don’t identify the need? tank houses, which use conventional starter sheets, current efficiency Elizabeth Bryce of Vancouver Coastal Health illuminated the antimicrobial was improved by modification of the leveller and grooving roller and applications of copper in healthcare, and its potential to tackle, e.g. the use of the clamp device.

100,000 cases of HAI in the U.S. annually. Copper reassuringly has four Glencore Nikkelverk spoke on its Chlorine Leach Process in Kristiansand, ways to kill bacteria.

Norway, where successful developments have resulted in project approval of a new copper tankhouse to be commissioned in 2022. HELM tracker Primary highlights bars will be in operation and the initial design capacity will be 30 ktpy.

Juan Carrasco presented the Altonorte Smelter optimisation program China Nerin said that by the end of 2019, there will be 13 copper smelters ‘Mas Alto’ - go higher. The environmental improvement plan has allowed of over 300 ktpy capacity fed with copper concentrate in China, which it to fully comply with the new Chilean regulations and reduce the SO2 produced just over 9 Mt of refined copper in 2018. I was eyewitness to emissions by approximately 50% compared with 2010. one particularly lively and direct-heated exchange in Room 10 on the Hatch et al said directly heated reducing roast for arsenic removal has afternoon of 21 August which demonstrated how ‘alive and well’ the been commercially proven, with the most recent applications mainly using competition in the technical field of smelting and converting process fluid bed reactors due to their advantages in temperature and emission designs is currently. Only thing is, I’m not sure who won! More detailed controls, relative to rotary kilns and multi-hearth roasters. coverage of the new Chinese technologies for smelting and converting Kathy Sole et al delivered results of their 2018 Copper Electrowinning will appear in Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 4 issue.

Survey to a large audience. Data from 29 plants were collected, representing www.com.metsoc.org 38% of world cathode copper production. In the DRC, Kamoto Copper (300 ktpy capacity) has recently been recommissioned after two years Acknowledgments on care and maintenance. Metalkol (77 ktpy) was commissioned in Photos: MetSoc of CIM Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

4 | KEY WORDS

www. c op p e r wor l d w i de. co m

Future is bright with strong demand This Postcard (or poster!) from the Vancouver Copper 2019 Conference in British Columbia, Canada by honoree Phillip Mackey sees a positive outlook and production technologies advancing.

Some 840 delegates at the 10th International Copper conference - Copper 2019 - learnt of a glowing future for copper based upon continuing demand in part driven by new applications for renewable energy and electric vehicles, as evidenced in Figure 1 from (1 P.J. Mackey and A.E.M.Warner, Copper 2019). Copper supply towards the end of the present decade showed pause for some concern, however most observers consider demand can be met but this will involve treatment of more challenging ore bodies and technology advances. But, technology was clearly front and centre at the conference, so a continuing of the trend of technology advances will surely rise to future challenges.

Held in the beautiful and well-appointed Canada Place Vancouver Convention Centre on Vancouver’s waterfront, Copper 2019 was the 10th Edition of the well-known international Copper Conference series now held every 3 years. The success of this copper conference, most ably directed by Dr. Joel Kapusta, of BBA, Montreal Canada as Copper 2019 Technical Chair in concert with Dr. Ed. Asselin, Professor at the University of British Columbia and COM 2019 Chair, was the work of leading International Processional Societies as coorganisers, bringing together experts in all disciplines from all over the world.

These societies are: The Metallurgy and Materials Society of the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (MetSoc-CIM), Canada Society of Metallurgists and Miners e.V. (GDMB), Germany Chilean Institute of Mining Engineers (IIMCh), Chile The Mining and Materials Processing Institute of Japan (MMIJ), Japan The Non-Ferrous Metals Society of China (NFSOC), China The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), United States Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (SAIMM), South Africa Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME), United States Held as part of The Conference of Metallurgists (COM) of the Metallurgical Society of CIM, the technical program of COM and Copper 2019 included the following symposia: Copper Downstream Fabrication and Applications, Copper-Economics, Markets, and Historical Perspectives, CopperElectrowinning and Electrorefining, Copper 150th - commemorating 150 years of copper electro refining, Copper Health and Safety in Operations, Copper Hydrometallurgy, Copper Mineral Processing, Copper Process Control, Optimization, and Instrumentation, Copper Pyrometallurgy - The Phillip Mackey

1 Copper demand and supply to 2029. Several alternative possibilities for copper supply are shown (2).

Note: Average growth 2020-2029 is approximately 1.9%, driven by conventional demand requirements and also in large part by expansion in renewable energy, E-cars, etc. It is also noted that currently, demand and supply are approximately in balance.

It is seen that by 2029, the supply-demand gap can approach 5 million t new primary Cu requirement. Filling this gap over a period will require something like 3-4 Quebrada Blanca II projects/year and 2-3 mega-smelters/year.

2 Dale E. Andres, Senior Vice President, Base Metals, Teck Resources Limited presenting “The Cloud is made of Metal Powering Opportunities in Copper” to a full auditorium on 18 August. Photos: MetSoc of CIM

Symposium, Copper Sustainability and Waste Management, COM 2019-UBC-McGill-UofA Symposium, COM 2019-2nd China-Canada Non-Ferrous Metallurgy Forum. In total around 350 papers were presented.

Plenary papers

The 10 Plenary Lectures, each chosen by the co-coordinating societies and delivered during the course of the conference, truly captured the pulse of the copper world today and informed delegates of the exciting progress and key challenges ahead. The following Plenary Lectures were delivered:

S. Nicolic and colleagues, Glencore Technology, Live virtual visit to Ust Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan and COM Copper 2019 Survey Announcement Steve Amos, Head of Projects, DRC Projects at Ivanhoe Mines “The KamoaKakula Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo” Adalbert Lossin, Head of New Technologies and Applications, Aurubis AG “Closing the Loop - Green Copper at Aurubis”

Steven Higgins, Senior Vice President & Chief Administrative Officer, FCX; President, Freeport-McMoRan Sales Company Inc. “Copper Market Drivers for the Short Term”

P. Mohr, Economist & Commodity Market Specialist (Former Vice-President, Economics & Commodity Market Specialist, The Scotiabank Group “Copper Process Outlook 2019-2020 - Global Growth, Currencies and Commodity Prices”

Dale E. Andres, Senior Vice President, Base Metals, Teck Resources Limited “The Cloud is made of Metal - Powering Opportunities in Copper” (see Figure 2|)

Christian Dümmer, Deputy Director to the CEO, Codelco “The Future of the Chilean Coper Mining Industry: Codelco’s Projects and Challenges”

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

KEY WORDS | 5

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

4 Total annual copper smelter production according to primary smelting technology in 2003 (top) and 2019 (bottom) (1). The rise of newer technologies since 2003 is evident as well as a drop in the share of copper smelter production by flash smelting

3 Phillip Mackey with his commemorative Pyrometallurgy Symposium plaque. Photo: MetSoc of CIM

Li Bing, China ENFI Engineering Corporation “Copper Industry Development in China” Carlos R. Risopatron, Director of Economics and Environment, International Copper Study Group “Global Coper Value Chain - Challenges 20120-20125: A Quantitative Perspective” Elizabeth Bryce, Regional Medical Director for Infection Control, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute “An Evaluation of Antimicrobial Efficacy and Durability of Cu Surfaces in Healthcare.”

Symposia

The Copper 150th Symposium commemorated 150 years of copper electro refining. James B. Elkington developed patents in 1865 and 1869 for electrorefining copper essentially derived from the contemporary techniques of his company for electroplating and electrotyping.

The first copper electrorefinery to exploit his patents was opened 150 years ago in 1869 within the Pembrey Copper Works at Burry Port near Llanelli, South Wales. The recovery of silver as a precipitated by-product was vital in driving the technology. Initially employing highly innovative cylindrical ceramic electrolytic cells and novel developments in electricity generation, the Pembrey refinery evolved

into a relatively conventional plant with rectangular lead-lined cells before its closure in 1912. Over the 43 years of its existence, the world copper market was transformed by the emergence of the electrical age with its burgeoning demand for high purity copper, and by a rapid corresponding growth in copper mining, smelting and refining overseas, events which ultimately rendered the Pembrey plant commercially obsolete.

This cycle of concept, technical innovation and decline exemplified the contribution of bold Victorian entrepreneurship to the technical foundations of the 20th century.

The Copper 150th Symposium included 11 first class papers covering many aspects of copper refining, and included a number of papers describing the first copper refinery built in a number of countries following the success at Pembrey. The principles established by Elkington 150 years ago are still employed in copper refineries all across the world today.

The Phillip Mackey Pyrometallurgy Symposium (see Figure 3) was held in honour of the contributions of Phillip Mackey to the discipline of copper pyrometallurgy, including copper smelting technology.

Notably, the International Copper Conference series was born during Phillip’s tenure as President of MetSoc in 1984. The objective of the symposium was to bring together world Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

experts to address the latest innovations in copper pyrometallurgy and their impact on the copper industry. Approaching 100 important papers were presented at the Phillip Mackey Symposium. Copper smelting technologies have changed in recent years. The total annual copper smelter production according to primary smelting technology in 2003 and 2019 is illustrated in Figure 4 from (2 - L. J. Watt and J. P. T. Kapusta, Copper 2019).

Other key topics discussed at Copper 2019 will be reflected in upcoming issues of Copper Worldwide, including the papers on Copper Downstream Fabrication and Applications, Copper-Economics, Markets, and Historical Perspectives, Copper-Electrowinning and Electrorefining, Copper Health and Safety in Operations, Copper Hydrometallurgy, Copper Mineral Processing, Copper Process Control, Optimization, and Instrumentation.

At Copper 2019, it was announced that the next International Copper Conference will be held in Santiago, Chile during the fourth quarter of 2022, whilst MetSoc of CIM’s Conference of Metallurgists COM 2020 will be held from 24 - 27 August 2020 in Toronto, Canada. www.com.metsoc.org

References 1 L. J. Watt and J. P. T. Kapusta, “The 2019 copper smelting survey”, Copper 2019, paper No. 592,732 2 P.J. Mackey and A.E.M. Warner, “Around the copper world in eighty days - A virtual tour of world copper operations and technologies”, Copper 2019, paper No. 582,625

6 | NEWS In brief…

Glencore Canada has signed up with Perth-based consulting systems integrator K2Fly Limited for the licence to use its RCubed reserve and resource governance software in a rolling annual contract commencing in August 2019.

Top five global miner Glencore will use the software in its zinc operations across 56 sites in seven countries.

www. c op p e r wor l d w i de. co m

Aurubis inaugurates new power-to-steam plant

www.k2fly.com

IERC 2020 - the 19th International Electronics Recycling Congress takes place in Salzburg, Austria from 22-24 January 2020. IERC 2020 will bring together more than 500 recycling professionals from around the globe: recyclers, technology and equipment providers, associations, NGOs, regulators, standardisation bodies, and has over 80 exhibitors. www.icm.ch

The Vancouver-based EnviroLeach Technologies e-waste processing facility ramp up to full production is scheduled for September 2019, according to their Q2 Corporate Update. The design capacity is 20 tonnes per day. Design, engineering and construction has taken just over 12 months, according to President & CEO Duane Nelson. www.enviroleach.com

Zijin Bor Copper held the ‘Miners’ Festival’ award ceremony in August.

Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Mr. Aleksandar Antić and Vice President of Zijin Mining Mr. Fang Qixue attended the ceremony and awarded 4 employees. Antić said that Zijin Bor Copper has created more than 5,000 local jobs, and the project output has been rapidly improved. www.zijinmining.com

ALTA 2020 is celebrating its 25th year and takes place in Perth, WA from 23 - 30 May 2020. The five international conferences scheduled are Nickel-Cobalt-Copper (25-27 May), Uranium-REE (28 May), Gold-PM (28 May), In Situ Recovery (ISR) (29 May), and Lithium & Battery Technology (29 May) including Trends in Battery Technology Forum & Panel. www.altamet.com.au

FLSmidth has been recognised as the market leader in flotation cells at a special award ceremony in Chile.

The top placement in the 2019 Mining Suppliers Ranking for flotation was awarded to FLSmidth by independent consultant Phibrand, during an event organised by Chilean Mining Suppliers Association (APRIMIN). www.flsmidth.com

Left is Hamburg’s Environmental Senator Jens Kerstan, with Aurubis CEO Roland Harings

In the presence of Hamburg’s Environmental Senator Jens Kerstan, Aurubis AG inaugurated a state of the art power-to-steam plant at its headquarters in Hamburg on 22 August. The plant transforms the power supply system’s excess electricity, which is produced from renewable energies, into steam. This steam can be utilised in the multi-metal producer’s production processes - to dry copper concentrates, for instance - and thus replaces some of the steam that has to be produced with fossil fuels.

With 10 MW of power, the new power-to-steam plant is the largest ever commissioned in the German non-ferrous metals industr y.

It replaces the previous steam generation plant, which produced steam with natural gas. Assuming that 100 % of the power supply comes from renewable energies, this plant alone could cut about 4,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. “Aurubis has invested substantial amounts in environmental protection and energy efficiency for many years,” said Aurubis CEO Roland Harings. www.aurubis.com

Oyu Tolgoi project incurs safer operating overhead The Rio Tinto Oyu Tolgoi Underground Project in Mongolia has continued to progress in 2019.

Since February, key below ground infrastructure such as the control room facility and the jaw crusher system are now complete and construction of shafts 3 and 4 is progressing well. The commissioning of shaft 2 remains on track for October 2019.

Enhanced geotechnical information and data modelling suggests that there may be some stability risks identified with the approved mine

A sparkling quartet of fairs The Bright World of Metals - GIFA, METEC, THERMPROCESS & NEWCAST stimulated investments, saw more professional visitors from overseas, and drives the Industry 4.0 and additive manufacturing trends forward, according to Organisers.

After five eventful days at the trade fair, the Bright World of Metals concluded successfully on 29 June. The dynamic atmosphere in the twelve halls of the Düsseldorf trade fairground was shaped by the numerous investments, spontaneous business deals and lively discussion and exchanges of expertise between exhibitors and professional visitors.

The demographic was: 70% of the exhibitors hailed from abroad (65% in 2015) and 66% of the visitors came from foreign countries (62% in 2015). “ With approximately 2 ,360 exhibitors, around 72,500 visitors from 118 countries were welcomed into the halls during the trade fair’s five-day run. The demand for European metallurgy and casting technology is particularly strong overseas, especially in Asia. www.tbwom.com

design, so a number of other mine design options are also under consideration to complete the Project. Options are being evaluated to determine the final design of the first panel of mining, until early 2020. The Definitive Estimate is now expected to be delivered in the second half of 2020. First sustainable production could be achieved between May 2022 and June 2023, and preliminary estimates for development capital spend are now US$ 6.5 - US$ 7.2 billion. www.riotinto.com

The GMTN 2019 Main Entrance.

Photo Messe_Duesseldorf (C.Tillmann)

New Cu2 Consulting FRP study The year 2018 was another year of growth for the European market of flat rolled products, although the pace of this growth was reduced compared to 2017, due to the slowdown of the demand from the automotive industry registered in the second part of the year. On the whole, in 2018, the total European market increased by +3.0% y-oy, following the brilliant growth posted in 2017 (+7.4%).

The development recorded in 2018 was not homogenous among the different alloys/applications: the demand for copper roofing

continued to decline, the demand for copper strip for industrial uses posted the most brilliant grow th r ate (+6.4% y- o -y) reaching the highest level of the last decade, both the demands for bronze and other copper alloys strip have continued to grow and have reached record levels, while that for brass rolled was almost flat y-o-y and even contracted in Germany, the European largest market.

The outlook for 2019 is not encouraging, with Cu2 Consulting expecting a contraction of the

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

demand this year followed by a mild recovery in 2020, however not strong enough to regain the volumes that are estimated to get lost in 2019. These are only a minor part of the many interesting outcomes emerging from a recent in-depth analysis by Cu2 Consulting.

The 220-page multiclient study covers the period 2003 to 2018, with quarterly forecasts for the two-year period 2019-2020.

The study is ready-for-shipment.

Contact: info@cu2consulting.com for details. www.cu2consulting.com

NEWS | 7

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

ICSG data to May 2019

The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) released preliminary data for May 2019 world copper supply and demand in its August 2019 Copper Bulletin. Figures indicate that world mine production declined by about 1% in the first five month of 2019, with concentrate production declining by 0.2% and solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) by 3.5%. Reduced output in Chile (-3%) and Indonesia (-55%) more than offset growth in other countries.

After aggregated growth of 11% in 2018, production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia remained essentially flat in the first five months of 2019 as temporary reduced production at some mines off-set ramp-up output at other operations. Production in Peru, Australia, China and Mongolia increased due to improved grades and recovery from constrained output in 2018. On a regional basis, mine production is estimated to have increased by around 1% in Africa, 3.5% in North America and 7% in Oceania but declined by 4.5% in Asia, 1% in Latin America and 3% in Europe.

Preliminary data indicates that world refined production declined by about 1% in the first five month of 2019 with primary production (electrolytic and electrowinning) declining by 1.5% and secondary production (from scrap) increasing by 1%.

The fall in world refined production was mainly due to a 37% decrease in Chilean electrolytic refined output due to temporary smelter shutdowns whilst undergoing upgrades to comply with new environmental regulations. Total Chilean refined production (including Electrowinning) declined by 15%. A decline of 36% in India’s production which was negatively impacted by the shutdown of Vedanta’s Tuticorin smelter in April 2018. On a regional basis, refined output is estimated to have increased in Asia (2.5%) and in Oceania (15%) but declined in Africa (- 9%), the Americas (-10%) and in Europe (-0.5%).

Preliminary data indicates that world apparent refined usage remained essentially unchanged in the first five months of 2019. World refined copper balance, based on apparent Chinese usage (excluding unre por te d /bonde d s toc k s), indicated a deficit of about 190,000 t. The world refined copper balance adjusted for changes in Chinese bonded stocks indicated a market deficit of around 95,000 tonnes. www.icsg.org

Responsible production and trade alliance

The Responsible Business Alliance (RBA), on behalf of its Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI), and the International Copper Association, Ltd. (ICA), have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly advance the responsible production and trade of copper. The RMI and ICA aim to harmonise expectations for responsible practices in the copper value chain by applying existing industry norms covering major environmental, social and governance issues.

In April 2019, ICA introduced a new assurance program for responsible copper production, the Copper Mark, offering a voluntary program to support the copper industry’s contribution to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production. ICA will use the RMI’s Risk Readiness Assessment (RRA) for implementation. The industry norms described in the RRA will define

the requirements copper mines and smelters/refiners must meet in order to obtain the Copper Mark.

The Copper Mark will be available to copper mines, smelters and refiners in its first application and is expected to launch in 2020.

“ICA looks forward to working with the RMI team to leverage our respective strengths to the benefit of the copper industry and its key stakeholders,” said Anthony Lea, President of the International Coppe r A s sociation. “ We believe this partnership will act as a catalyst for responsible growth and greater opportunity for responsible copper production.”

In addition, ICA will join and actively participate in the RMI’s M i n i n g E n g a g e m e n t Te a m , which brings together upstream and downstream companies for greater collaboration. www.responsiblemineralsinitiative.org www.coppermark.org

Chinese fabricator body visits Danieli Fröhling

In brief…

Latest WBMS figures show a copper market deficit of 41 kt in January to June 2019 which follows a deficit of 37 kt in the whole of 2018. Reported stocks rose each month in between January and April but fell back in May and June to close at the end of June 87 kt higher than at the end of December 2018. This increase includes net deliveries of 109 kt into LME warehouses. www.world-bureau.com

Latest WBMS figures give world mine production in January to June 2019 as +0.4% y-o-y at 10.28 Mt. Global refined production for January to June 2019 was -4.8% at 11.21 Mt. Main decreases were recorded in India (-111 kt) and Chile (-191 kt). Global consumption for January to June 2019 was 11.25 Mt (H1 2018: 11.72 Mt). www.world-bureau.com

The Moscow International Recycling Expo in March 2019 saw over 800 professionals and more than 60 exhibitors. It included the IV Eurasian Congress ‘Solutions for Waste Electronic and Electrical Equipment’ (EWEEES), organised by the Swiss company Smart Recourses and NP NSRO ‘RUSLOM. KOM’. Next Edition will be 24 - 27 March 2020. www.solidwaste.ru

The latest official data from the Chilean Copper Commission (Cochilco) shows total mined copper output (SX-EW and concentrates) dipping only 2.5% to 1,991 kt in H1 2019, compared to 2,042 kt year-on-year. The majority of these losses were incurred in February.

Souvenir picture taken in front of Danieli Fröhling’s offices and workshop

Leading members of the China Nonferrous Metals Fabrication Industry Association (CNFA) visited Danieli Fröhling in Meinerzhagen, Germany in July 2019. The China Nonferrous Metals Fabrication Industry Association was founded in November 1981 and is a Chinese national, professional and non-profit social organisation with more than 450 member units. The association is voluntarily composed of production enterprises, research and design units, colleagues and universities, equipment manufacturing and related auxiliary enterprises or institutions in China’s copper market.

The expert team is looking for new technologies and precision coil processing equipment. The members of the delegation would like to speed up the development in China’s metals industry and especially looking for future oriented automatic functions and artificial

intelligence for their production facilities and coil processing lines.

Th e D a nie li Fröhling te a m presented a detailed overview about Danieli Fröhling’s state of the art product portfolio and explained their advanced technologies. The DF team introduced the advantage of final product quality improvement, reduction of equipment downtime and scrap rate, tighter final product tolerances, improvement of line availability and the subsequent re duc tion of op e r ating co s t potentially realised with Danieli Fröhling’s equipment. A Q&A session rounded up the visit, which was evaluated as very informative and interesting for all involved parties. www.danieli.com

Author: Julian Winkel, Simon Scheffe (Sales Manager), Danieli Germany GmbH (Business Unit Danieli Fröhling)

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

www.roskill.com

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. has said its Lone Star Project in Arizone, closest to Safford, should see first leached copper production by the end of 2020. The US$ 850 million project was 50% completed as at July 2019. The Safford mine is a zero-discharge facility and one of the most environmentally advanced copper mines ever built. www.fcx.com

On 3 October 2019 a free Specialised Forum ‘Mining in Chile in 2040: Opportunities and Challenges’, is to be held in Santiago. Rebecca Gordon, CEO of CRU Consulting and President of SONAMI, Diego Hernández, will be on the Panel. Juan Esteban Fuentes, Head of CRU SAM and Alejandra Wood, Executive Director of CESCO, invite participation. www.cesco.cl

8 | NEW FRONTIERS FOR COPPER

China international in copper

The Opening Ceremony of the 17th China International Copper Conference. Photo: Beijing Antaike

The 17th China International Copper Conference was successfully held in Qiqihar, Heilongjiang Province on 4-6 September 2019. More than 500 industry executives from China nonferrous metals association, copper mining, smelting, fabrication enterprises, scientific research institutes, equipment manufacturers, traders, futures (securities), investment and financing institutions gathered together to conduct in-depth discussions and exchanges under the theme of ‘New Era, New Drivers, New Opportunities’.

The attendees put forward ideas and suggestions for the sustainable development, quality and efficiency improvement and win-win cooperation of China’s copper industry.

The conference had a variety of forms, including Keynote Presentations and Experts Discussions, and the atmosphere was relaxed but informative.

The Conference is sponsored by China Non-ferrous Metals Industry Association, Aluminum Corporation of China, Qiqihar Municipal Government and Shanghai Futures Exchange. It was co-sponsored by China Copper Co., Ltd., China Nonferrous Mining Corporation Limited, Wanbao Mining Ltd., Daye Nonferrous Metals Group Holdings Limited, and Yunnan Tin Group (Holding) Company Limited. It was organised by Beijing Antaike Information Co., Ltd. Thanks to the sponsors and the delegates! Meanwhile, we are looking forward to your coming to China again, sharing your ideas and solutions, and making joint efforts for the development of the copper industry.

www. c op p e r wor l d w i de. co m

Optimise use of resources The EMC 2019 - European Metallurgical Conference organised by GDMB, Society of Metallurgists and Miners, in June 2019, had the theme ‘Optimum utilization of resources and recycling for a sustainable solution’, and looked at the technological, ecological and economic aspects of Sustainability of the Non-Ferrous Metals industry in about 30 topical sessions. There were over 350 attendees.

Dr. Jens Nyberg, Manager R&D Strategic Projects for Boliden Smelters said recovering more metals and producing less waste are important goals to promote for the Non-ferrous Industry. There are benefits to treating hazardous waste material instead of depositing it to a landfill. Substantial work is ongoing with regard to slag productification. Sustainable new metallurgical adaptations of ISASMELT TM TSL for urban feedstream recycling have been developed by Glencore Technology and clients.

The Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals in Gliwice, Poland presented on ‘Influence of temperature and agitation on reduction rate of converter slag from CuFePb alloy fining process’ at Glogow Copper Smelter. China Nerin had a paper on the new smelting and converting technologies in China and made comparisons. China ENFI also spoke on ‘The Development of Copper Matte Continuously Converting Technologies Adopted in China’ to replace the P-S converting process. There were many other papers on heap leach, flotation, plant optimisation, furnace burner development, induction melting and e-scrap.

The GDMB’s activities include the Copper Extraction and Processing Expert Committee, which holds a two-day seminar annually. The 2019 event is in Huelva, Spain from 22 - 24 October 2019. Then from 14 17 June 2020, GDMB hosts the 2nd European Mineral Processing and Recycling Congress - EMPRC 2020 in Aachen, Germany. The programme will include MSWI bottom ashes, landfill mining and tailings. Fees apply.

Exhibitors should aim to book before 12 December. www.gdmb.de

www.antaike.com

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

A COM + Copper 2019 Exclusive

New Frontiers for copper

A Copper Worldwide Souvenir Publication

Christian Dummer, Deputy Director, Codelco

Adalbert Lossin, Head of New Technologies, Aurubis

Steve Amos, Head of Projects DRC, Ivanhoe Mines

Elizabeth Bryce, Regional Medical Director, Vancouver Coastal Health Acute

Kathy Sole, Consultant Hydrometallurgist

Patricia Mohr, ex Scotiabank

Nils Voermann, Global MD, Hatch

Carlos Risopatron, Economist, ICSG

Li Bing, Deputy Director, China ENFI

Edouard Asselin (COM 2019 Chair), Professor, UBC

INTRODUCTION | S3

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

Your Souvenir Publication Since 1987, the remarkable series of Copper/Cobre Professional Metallurgical Conferences has thrived by travelling the globe seeking to enhance by networking and instruction the operational and economic performance of a wide range of copper supply chain installations, from smelters to refineries, from rod plants to rolling mills, and more.

Since 2011, Copper Worldwide magazine was created to shine a light on this exceptionally diverse and invigorating industry and its practitioners.

You are both my readers and my supporters, and I salute you.

Copper ten The success and outcome of the Copper Conference is the work of the six leading International Professional Societies (IIMCh, GDMB, MMIJ, TMS, SME, MetSoc), whilst NFSOC and SAIMM join in 2019 as official co-organising societies.

Timeline of the Copper/Cobre Conferences: 1987 in ViĂąa del Mar, Chile 1991 in Ottawa, Canada 1995 in Santiago, Chile 1999 in Phoenix, USA 2003 in Santiago, Chile 2007 in Toronto, Canada 2010 in Hamburg, Germany 2013 in Santiago, Chile 2016 in Kyoto, Japan 2019 in Vancouver, Canada (10th Edition)

Index S3........................................ Introduction S4, S5...................................Global News S6, S7...................Copper Technologists

S8, S9...........................Hydrometallurgy S10..............................Primary Smelting S11, S12, S13........ Contracts and People

Hope you had a great COM + Copper 2019 in Vancouver, or if you missed it, are making plans already for 2022!

Kind regards

Chris K. Holding Chris K. Holding, Editor & Industry Correspondent

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

S4 | GLOBAL NEWS

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

Smart homes to lift copper market Recent research, commissioned by the International Copper Association (ICA), shows copper use in smart home applications is likely to reach 1.5 million tonnes per year by 2030, thanks to a sustained, worldwide appetite for smart home systems. As soon as 2021, copper demand could more than double across the smart home market as increased usage of wiring, electronic components and batteries becomes more prominent.

BSRIA , the company that conducted the study, forecasts this sharp increase as the global smart home market continues to grow, with 1,600 M systems forecast for installation by 2030, an increase from 177.2 M in 2018.

Copper is found in smart home hubs, switches, routers, wiring and lithium-ion batteries, making smart home integration a significant part of rising copper demand. Anette Meyer Holley, Business Manager, WMI at

Major BHP investment to address climate change

BSRIA, explains: “BSRIA’s forecast from 2018 to 2030 shows global market growth for smart home systems will increase to 21% CAGR. This is due to both demand and production increases for smart home appliances, ranging widely across different regions, covering voice control, security, energy m a n a ge me nt , e nte r t a inme nt products and much more.”

Increasing uptake and availability of smar t internet connected equipment such as electric vehicles, smar t phones and intelligent appliances is partly supporting copper demand in smart home connectivity, and that trend is set to continue. “As smart homes evolve towards more intelligent and wired structures, in order to ensure system reliability and security, copper will remain the material of choice,” says Colin Bennett, Global Manager, Market Analysis and Outreach, ICA.

On 23 July, BHP announced a five-year, US$ 400 million Climate Investment Program to develop technologies to reduce emissions from its own operations as well as those generated from the use of its resources.

BHP CEO Andrew Mackenzie said: “Over the next five years this progr am will scale up low carbon technologies critical to th e d e c a r b o ni s atio n of our operations. It will drive investment in nature-based solutions and encourage further collec tive ac tion on scope three emissions. We must take a product stewardship role for emissions across our value chain and commit to work with shippers, processors and users of our products to reduce scope three emissions.”

Other measures announced include e s t a blishing a new medium-term, science-based

target for scope one and two emissions in line with the Paris Agreement. This is in addition to BHP’s short-term goal to cap 2022 emissions at 2017 levels, and long-term goal of net-zero emissions by mid-century.

Climate analysis

Secondly comes developing a new climate portfolio analysis report in 2020, following on from BHP’s 2015 two-degree scenario analysis. This new report will evaluate the potential impacts of a broader range of scenarios and a transition to a ‘well below’ two-degree world. Thirdly will be strengthening the link between emissions per formance and executive remuneration. From 2021, this link will be clarified to further reinforce the strategic importance and responsibility of reducing emissions as a business. www.bhp.com

www.copperalliance.org

New Roskill Copper Demand to 2035 report due

Latest ICSG Directory of Copper Mines and Plants

2025, and also point estimates Copper is the second largest of for 2030 and 2035 the base metals markets (after aluminium) by tonnage. Roskill • Around 80% of total consumption is solely due to copper’s excellent provisional estimates for 2018 suggest that world total consumption conductivity (refined metal and direct use • In gener al, ref ined copper scrap) grew by a healthy 2.1% y-ois used in those applications where electrical conductivity is y, from 30.0 Mt in 2017 to 30.6 Mt copper content. paramount, ensuring supreme reliability over what may in reality be a very long product lifetime Research approach The new Roskill assessment of • Scrap copper is mainly consumed in those applications where the total world market is has been copper’s non-electrical attributes diligently and broadly researched, are mostly required - primarily covering the higher level and faster its machinability, formability, growth in semis output in less wellb e n d a b i l i t y, s t r e n g t h a n d documented emerging markets, which are large consumers of direct aesthetics use scrap. Some of the key findings • Conditions in the scrap market ultimately dictate how the balance of the new Copper Demand to of total world consumption needs 2035 report include: are split between direct use scrap • F o r e c a s t w o r l d c o p p e r and refined consumption consumption per capita to advance from 4.0 kg in 2018 to • The growth in electric vehicles and associated network infrastructure 5.0 kg by 2035 is projected to add somewhere in • Historical and forecast assessments the range of 3.1 - 4.0 million tonnes of all the 11 product markets for to total copper consumption semi-manufactures by 2035.

• Historical and forecast projections for multiple consumption metrics Roskill has nearly 50 years’ consulting for every large national market experience and sub-regions annually out to www.roskill.com

The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) released a new Edition of its biannual Directory of Copper Mines and Plants that provides global facility-by-facility production capacity and summary country capacity through 2023, and presents the main projects and expansions expected to be developed in the next decade.

Contents

The Directory, which incorporates the latest updates to capacity, project development and ownership for more than 2,000 individual copper mines, smelters and refineries, also includes charts/tables on the currentand long-term global distribution of capacity by country, size, operational/development status and process type.

Through 2023, annual copper smelter capacity is expected to grow at an average rate of around 3.5% per year. China is continuing to expand its copper smelting capacity but at a slower pace than before. Chinese capacity more than quintupled in the period 2000-2017 and is expected to increase by a further 40% by 2023,

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

accounting for 75% of expected world copper smelting capacity growth through 2023.

Capacity growth

Through 2023, annual copper refinery capacity is likely to grow at an average rate of around 2.5% per year. Growth in electrolytic refinery capacity, generally tied to the growth of smelter capacity, is projected to average 2.7% per year. Growth in Electrowinning (SX-EW) capacity is projected at 2%. About 85% of the growth in global refined capacity through 2023 is expected to come from electrolytic refineries. China (in the form of electrolytic capacity) will be by far the biggest contributor to world growth in refined capacity followed by the DRC and Peru (in the form of electrowinning capacity). Electrowinning capacity is expected to decline by 10% in Chile through 2023.

Enquire to ICSG for single issue and annual subscription rates, and capacity data access through the ICSG online statistical database.

Conditions apply. www.icsg.org

GLOBAL NEWS | S5

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

Metallo to integrate with Aurubis

IWCC elects Mayr to Chair

Dr. Erwin Mayr, CEO of the Wieland Group, was recently elected Chair of the IWCC

The International Wrought Copper Council (IWCC) has announced that Dr. Erwin Mayr, CEO of the Wieland Group, was elected Chair of the International Wrought Copper Council by the IWCC

General Assembly at its recent meeting in Santiago, Chile. Erwin Mayr, pictured, succeeds Stefan Boel, formerly of Aurubis AG, who was the IWCC’s longest serving Chair in its 66-year history. At the start of 2017, Erwin joined the Wieland Group as CEO. Erwin Mayr said, “I am honoured to be appointed Chair of the IWCC. The semis-fabricators act as a bridge between copper refiners and enduser markets. I would like to thank Stefan Boel for his leadership and guidance during the last five years.” www.coppercouncil.org

Aurubis AG has signed a share purcha se agreement for the acquisition of the Belgian-Spanish Metallo Group to continue actively pursuing its recycling strategy.

Metallo Holdings is owned by funds managed by TowerBrook Capital Partners, a leading transatlantic investment firm. The acquisition of Metallo, with its attractive growth potential, strengthens Aurubis’ metal portfolio, especially in the

key metals copper, nickel, tin, zinc, and lead. Metallo’s ‘zero-waste’ business model aims to process all materials used into valuable and marketable products. This increases Aurubis’ contribution to sustainability. The Metallo operations in Belgium and Spain combine to recycle over 350 kt of raw materials annually. www.aurubis.com www.metallo.com

Wieland and GBC pool resources

Global Brass and Copper Holdings, companies with diverse product Inc. (GBC) and Wieland-Werke AG offerings across copper and copper (Wieland Group) announced on 10 alloy strip and sheet, rod, foil, A standard for responsible production April that they have entered into w i r e , t u b e a n d f a b r i c a t e d a definitive merger agreement. components. Both companies share The International Copper The merger agreement has been a commitment to technology, R&D, Association (ICA) and its members unanimously approved by the Board and providing innovative offerings have introduced the Copper of Directors of Global Brass and and solutions. The company will Mark™ - a new assurance system Copper and the Supervisory Board of be better positioned to benefit for responsible copper production Wieland. The transaction is expected from a number of megatrends, launched in April 2019. The Copper to close in the second half of 2019 including e-Mobility, connectivity, Mark provides a platform for the The Copper Mark will be awarded for responsible and is subject to certain required sustainability and recycling. assurance of responsibly produced copper production copper and is available for mines, and Production, forms the core of regulatory approvals. It brings www.gbcholdings.com smelters and refineries. Civil society, the Copper Mark. In order to be together two highly complementary www.wieland.com investors, academia and other recognised as supporting SDG interested parties can participate 12 and to receive the Copper in the Copper Mark through an Mark, companies will be assessed Freyberg appointed at Katanga expert panel that advises on the again s t a set of re spon sible development and administration p ro d u c tio n c r i te r i a m e e ting The Katanga Mining Board of Freyberg replaces Mike Ciricillo, who p r e v a i l i n g i n d u s t r y n o r m s Directors announced on 30 July tendered his resignation as Director of the Copper Mark.

The Copper Mark takes the United defined by the Risk Readiness it had approved the appointment of the company on 12 July 2019. Mr. Nations Sustainable Development A s s e s s m e n t c re a t e d by t h e of Peter Freyberg as Director of Freyberg is the Head of Industrial Goals (SDGs) as its inspiration. Responsible Minerals Initiative. the company and Chairman of the Assets for the Glencore group.

SDG 12, Responsible Consumption www.sustainablecopper.org company’s HSSE Committee. Mr. www.katangamining.com

Copper supply and demand figures The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) released preliminary data for April 2019 world copper supply and demand in its July 2019 Copper Bulletin. Preliminary data indicates that world mine production declined by about 1% in the first four months of 2019, with concentrate production declining by 0.5% and solvent extraction-electrowinning (SX-EW) by 2.5%. Although a few countries experienced growth, this was largely offset by declines in two major producing countries, namely Chile and Indonesia. Production in Chile declined by 3.2% mainly due to lower copper head grades.

Indonesian concentrate production declined by 50% primarily as a consequence of the transition of the country’s major two mines to different ore zones leading to temporarily reduced output levels.

After aggregated growth of 11% in 2018, production in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and

Zambia increased by only 2.8% in the first four months of 2019 as reduced production at some mines partially off-set ramp-up output at other operations. Production in Peru, Australia, China and Mongolia increased due to improved grades and recovery from constrained output in 2018. On a regional basis, mine production is estimated to have increased by around 3% in Africa, 2% in North America and 6% in Oceania but declined by about 4% in Asia, 1.5% in Latin America and 3% in Europe.

Preliminary data indicates that world refined production remained essentially unchanged in the first four months of 2019, with primary produc tion (e le c trol y tic a nd electrowinning) declining by 0.2% and secondary production (from scrap) increasing by 0.5%. The fall in world refined production was mainly due to a 33% decrease in Chilean electrolytic refined output

due to temporary smelter shutdowns whilst undergoing upgrades to comply with new environmental regulations. The decline of 33% in India’s production was impacted by the shutdown of Vedanta’s Tuticorin smelter in April 2018.

A 23% decrease in Zambian refined output due to power supply interruptions, smelter outages and the introduction on 1st January 2019 of a 5% custom duty on copper concentrate imports. There was also reduced output in major producing countries including Germany, Japan, Peru and the United States due to smelter maintenance shutdowns.

These reductions were offset by growth in Chinese output and by increases in other countries re cove r i n g fro m p ro d u c ti o n constraints in 2018 such as Australia, Brazil, Iran and Poland. On a regional basis, refined output is estimated to have increased in Asia (3%) and in Oceania (13%), declined in Africa

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

(-5%) and the Americas (-9%) and remained flat in Europe.

Preliminary data indicates that world apparent refined usage increased by about 1% in the first four months of 2019, as Chinese apparent usage grew by around 4%. Among other major copper users, demand increased in India but declined in the EU and the United States whilst remaining essentially flat in Japan. The World ex-China usage declined by around 2%. The preliminary world refined copper balance in the first four months of 2019 indicates a deficit of about 150,000 tonnes.

The Bulletin and ICSG online statistical database provide detailed data, on a country basis, for copper mine, smelter, refined and semis production and copper refined usage, trade, stocks and prices. Enquire to ICSG for single issue and annual subscription rates. Conditions apply. www.icsg.org

S6 | COPPER TECHNOLOGISTS

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

Strong links in the copper supply chain These stand-out collaborative firms, each forged and developed through solid partnerships, will be represented at COM + Copper 2019:

PolyMet Solutions -

Mettop -

Excellence in Non-Ferrous Metals production processes

A specialist for customised solutions

The aim and goal of PolyMet Solutions is the combination of both superior process knowhow and innovative components supply in the non-ferrous metals area provided

by Mettop GmbH and the plant engineering and supply capabilities of the SMS Group GmbH. PolyMet Solutions offers complete designs and layouts for primary smelters, converters (including an optimised Peirce Smith converter design) and anode furnaces in the copper industry. Together with SMS Group and Mettop, it will thus be possible to supply complete process routes, extending as far as electrolysis and the subsequent processing of semi-finished products.

Understanding the process is a fundamental requirement for designing reliable and efficient metallurgical plants. It ensures the correc t dimensioning of pyrometallurgical vessels for

A 500L PolyTBRC Slag Treatment Furnace

new non-ferrous metals facilities.

Furthermore, precise knowledge in this area helps optimise or modify processes to suit changed conditions.

The correct process definition provides the fundamental data and information needed for all auxiliaries and surrounding units such as off-gas system, raw material and product handling, and cooling systems.

In the field of planning and delivery of equipment and systems, PolyMet Solutions is also expanding its product and service spectrum to the producers of lead, zinc, tin and other non-ferrous metals. www.polymet-solutions.com

Rolf Degel presented ‘UrbanGold Technology - The Solution for an Economical and Sustainable Recycling of Electronic Scrap’ on 21st August. WEEE is growing at 3 to 4% per year worldwide, and is expected to reach more than 52 Mt per year by 2021.

Mettop, an Austrian engineering company is globally active and specialised in process optimisation and plant deliver y in nonferrous metallurgy. Based on the understanding of the process, a holistic approach is always sought, and in recent years, various processes have been developed together with the customers.

In pyrometallurgy, furnaces and facilities are optimised or developed based on process modelling ranging from thermodynamic calculations to CFD modelling. The optimal lining is achieved by a 3D refractory engineering which is optimised if necessary with own cooling elements. The patented cooling technology ILTEC allows a safe cooling by the substitution of water with ionic liquids. This novel cooling also allows new ways to go in the field of furnace design. Thus, in the field of electrical and electronic scrap recycling, new processes have been developed which are now reflected in UrbanGold technologies and offered through UrbanGold, a subsidiary of Mettop.

Copper tankhouse with METTOP-BRX Technology for enhancing current density

In the field of electrolysis, Mettop engineers and builds entire plants based on the patented METTOPBRX Technology. These systems create the highest current densities worldwide with the highest current eff iciency values. The digital replication of the metallurgical processes is as much a concern as the permanent training of employees at our customers. As a result, a seminar on pyrometallurgical copper refining will take place from 24th -26th of September in Vienna. The seminar focuses on the process route from blister copper to casted anodes. Participants will be able to understand the links between different technical and metallurgical parameters that are important during pyrometallurgical copper refining. www.mettop.com

UrbanGold Exceptional metal recoveries

Within conve ntion a l copp e r and lead metallurg y, e-waste processing is limited and subject to boundaries. Irresponsible WEEE recycling is still performed in many cases. UrbanGold has developed a technology to recover base and precious metals from WEEE and WEEE-concentrate in an independent compact plant. The heart of the technology is a smelter that allows to process 100% of WEEE-concentrate. UrbanGold technology can be integrated into existent non-ferrous metals plants.

Depending on the pre-existing infrastructure, the installation of only a single smelter might be necessary. The key technology is integrated into an optimised overall concept as a stand-alone solution.

The process has its focus on a fast and most efficient recovery of precious metals. The three main options at present are: UG Classic - allows treatment of up to 100% WEEE concentrate and input of low-grade material with up to 50% organics UG Compact - The UrbanGold Compact process route was initially developed for printed circuit boards (PCBs) and now is a state-of-the-art technology for the recovery of base

E-Waste is an urban gold-mine

metals and precious metals from any kinds of higher quality scraps UG Flex - The process route of the UG Flex line is tailored to the customer-specific raw material portfolio. Possible inputs range from high-quality copper scrap and e-scrap fractions of different quality to slags, dusts and other residues from external processes.

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

UrbanGold focuses on concept and feasibility studies, test-work, process engineering, metallurgical knowhow, and special elements.

Together with our partners Mettop, PolyMet, and SMS, we have plant engineering and supply capacities for all types and sizes of e-waste recycling facilities. www.urbangold.at

COPPER TECHNOLOGISTS | S7

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

Heath & Sherwood -

Booth 14 - In the mid-1960’s H&S began licensed manufacturing of the Gaspe Tuyere Puncher, which was invented by operators at the G a s p e C o p p e r S m e l te r a n d patented by Noranda Mines and the Noranda Technology Centre (which is now Glencore). The machine was created to mechanise a labour-intensive task where operators had been forced to work in a noisy, dirty and dangerous

RHI Magnesita Refractory 4.0 innovation

Tuyere Punching before Heath & Sherwood

Right is Mike Marinigh, Sales Director of Heath & Sherwood, with Steven Corsan of Consep

environment. Since that time, 265 Gaspe Tuyere Punchers have been commissioned in virtually every copper and nickel smelter using Pierce-Smith and Teniente converters and Noranda Reactors.

Heath and Sherwood is proud

of its extensive experience in the design, supply and service of G a s p e Tu ye re Pu n c h e r s , Refractor y Drills and Tuyere and Tuyere Silencer arrangements.

Only Heath and Sherwood can bring this experience together

to offer a fully integrated tuyere line package.

Heath & Sherwood is also a leading designer of mineral processing sampling systems, including for smelter concentrate reception.

Booths 15 & 17 - RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems, and solutions, which are indispensable for industrial high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals, and glass. With a vertically integrated value chain, from raw materials to refractory

products and full performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita serves customers in nearly all countries around the world. RHI Magnesita offers the latest solutions ranging from smart mining to smart plant.

This includes big data, digitalisation, automation and robotics, process safety, and sustainability. “When we talk about innovation, we mean a new

level of refractory solutions. We call it ‘Refractory 4.0’,” says Stefan Borgas, CEO RHI Magnesita “Innovation is the key to customer satisfaction.

As the driving force of the industry, we must deliver better and better solutions to our customers and share the value with them. Our growing R&D investments reflect this.”

CAGroup World class anodes

CAGroup Anode Solutions is a high quality and innovative Australian manufacturer of lead and tin industrial products as well as other

CAGroup has been manufacturing world class anodes at its Melbourne facility for over 20 years

Outotec -

Metalex -

Plenty to say about copper processing Booth 21 - Outotec will certainly be participating in Copper 2019 in Vancouver. Outotec presentations: • Outotec’s Fully Automated Smelter 2020 - the vision, the status and the future - Jani Jansson • Decarbonisation of the Outotec® Ausmelt process - Jacob Wood www.outotec.com

Booth 36 - Metalex Limited has the mission to provide a single window for providing materials and services to Electrowinning and Electrofining plants particularly for the recovery of copper, nickel, cobalt and zinc. Associates of Metalex, as well as anode-maker

www.heathandsherwood64.com

www.rhimagnesita.com

building products. CAGroup has been manufacturing world class anodes at its Melbourne facility for over 20 years. Utilising the finest primary alloys along with a proprietary TMCR (thermomechanically controlled rolling) process, which has been developed and refined in-house by CAGroup engineers, the firm has achieved anode life spans of greater than 12 years in certain SX-EW plants. www.caanodes.com

CA Group above, include exma, which makes and offers anode insulators, anode guides, capping boards, demisting balls, edge strips, busbar machining, anode bags and cathode bags. G. Corner (MSS Group) offers DC bus systems, hanger bars, coated hanger bars and shorting frames. Neeltran manufactures transformer / rectifiers, power supplies, power factor correction and harmonic filters.

NCT provides polymer concrete cells and tanks. TESR A has a

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

RHI Magnesita at COM+ Copper

tankhouse thermal monitoring system (TTMS), cathode tracking system, and cathode quality visual system.

Despromin offers solvent extraction plants, FRP mixing tanks, settlers, reactors and FRP specialities. Crane Repair offer automatic cranes, crane repairs, harvesting bales, and more.

M e t a l e x h a s m o re t h a n 3 0 years’ experience, particularly in Copp e r Ele c trowinnning a nd Electrorefining. and offers the integrated Cell Block Concept. www.metalex.cl

S8 | HYDROMETALLURGY

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

Metso launches VPX smart filter Spearheaded by the launch of the new Metso VPX™ filter for tailings dewatering in late June, Metso introduced its comprehensive tailings management concept to enable and support environmentally and economically sustainable mining. Designed to maximise water recovery and reduce the footprint of tailings dams or eliminate them completely, Metso Tailings Management Solutions provide a long-term answer for mining companies looking for a viable approach to their tailings management and end-of-mine strategies.

Niclas Hällevall, VP of Beneficiation Solutions, Mining Equipment business area, says Metso views dry filtered tailings as the most viable and long-term solution for tailings management: it helps in recycling significantly more water to the concentrator, and the risk of tailings dam failure could be completely avoided by dewatering and dry stacking.

The Metso VPX™ filter can handle difficult-

The Metso VPX™ filter is available for mining customers globally and an ideal solution for range of dewatering applications. Image: Metso

to-dewater tailings, because it has up to 25 bars operating pressure, the highest pressure in its category. This enables up to 90% water recovery. The Metso VPX™ is also equipped with a fully electromechanical drive system and no hydraulics, making it the safest solution

on the market. With its modular design, the Metso VPX™ filter is scalable as well as easily transportable to the site in standard containers.

The Metso VPX™ filter is available for mining customers globally. www.metso.com/vpx

ISCG sulphide ore treatment study The International Copper Study Group (ICSG) based in Lisbon, Portugal released a 132page report in April 2019 entitled ‘Smelting and Hydrometallurgy Treatment for Copper Sulphide Ores and Concentrates’. The report studies five critical subjects related to the plants processing copper sulphides ores and concentrates of different complexity. It begins with a characterisation of copper concentrates available now, followed by the description of

copper smelting processes for the treatment of these concentrates. The analysis of the circuits of iron and sulphur contents in relation to CAPEX and OPEX in copper smelters is followed by the analysis of the role of minor elements present in the concentrate.

The environmental performance of smelter technologies and the expectation for a ‘zero waste process’ smelter is discussed in detail, in particular for minor elements, sulphuric acid and

slags. A technical discussion about the merits of different hydrometallurgical processes for the treatment of copper concentrates is followed by a critical analysis of different variables for the selection of a route for the treatment of copper concentrates. The report costs EUR 500 for institutions in ICSG member countries and EUR 1,000 for those of non-member countries.

Please contact ICSG directly for the USD option. www.icsg.org

Far-reaching Tailings Forum held in Arizona The cost-effective minimising environmental footprint.

FP-S filter press Todd Wisdom, Director of Tailings Solutions at FLSmidth, explained: “The Tailings Forum brought together some of the top leaders in mining, who addressed their tailings management needs and learned more about FLSmidth’s innovative technologies and solutions. It was exciting to talk more about the numerous benefits of EcoTails and filtered tailings in general.”

Testing the 5 x 3 m AFP filter press plate for EcoTails® use. Photo: FLSmidth

The AFP filter press cake. Photo: FLSmidth

Over 75 mining companies from across Canada, USA, Mexico, Morocco, China, Australia, Peru and Chile attended FLSmidth’s Tailings Forum in Tucson, AZ in mid-June. The focus of the forum was on filtered tailings management and the potential of the EcoTails® solution in reducing water costs, tailings dam risks and

The participants took part in active dialogues on the changing landscape in tailings management, attended a panel discussion and heard speakers from Newmont Goldcorp, the University of Alberta and FLSmidth present on topics such as tailings filters and co-mingling.

The all-day event also included a full-scale, live demonstration of the largest filter press plate ever built, the 5 x 3 m AFP (for EcoTails).

Pete Flanagan, Global Key Account Management for FLSmidth Mining, commented: “The industry is starting to look at tailings management not just as a cost, but as an opportunity to recover more water, to improve safety, to reduce risk and to minimise environmental impact.”

For standard filtration applications, when a short delivery lead-time and safe, reliable operation are top Schematic of the new Outotec FP-S filter of the priority list, press. Image: Outotec the new Outotec FP-S filter press fits the bill perfectly. It offers efficient solid-liquid separation, is available in a wide range of configurations, and is backed

by Outotec’s expert technical services to ensure reliable process performance and long equipment lifetime.

The FP-S filter press features a standard design and options for short lead times and reduced capital expenditure for customers.

Outotec has a long and successful history in the design and manufacture of filtration equipment. The Outotec FP-S filter press is ideal for a broad range of applications including filtration in bulk mining, tailings, metallurgical refineries, industrial minerals, food, pharma, and biotechnology. It is available with filtration areas ranging from 1 m2 to 1,000 m2.

www.flsmidth.com

www.outotec.com

Filter plate demonstration

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

HYDROMETALLURGY | S9

www.copperwor ldw ide. co m

Olympic Dam heap leach trials completed In mid-June, BHP announced it had successfully completed its heap leach research and development trial in South Australia, confirming the viability of the technology to extract copper, uranium, gold and silver at Olympic Dam. The program began in 2012 and was conducted at a purpose-built, small-scale heap leach facility at Wingfield run by Bureau Veritas, under direction from BHP and with support from the South Australian Government.

BHP’s General Manager of Olympic Dam’s surface processing, Chris Barnesby, made the announcement at the Copper to the World conference in Adelaide. “The promising results

from this trial supports our positive outlook for Olympic Dam, given forecast demand increases for copper,” Ms Barnesby said, “We safely and successfully produced 19 tonnes of good quality copper, most of which went back into the smelter and off to customers, though we kept a little to ourselves to commemorate the achievement. Whether we deploy heap leach at Olympic Dam is a matter for future consideration.”

Whilst BHP uses heap leaching at its copper operations in Chile, Olympic Dam’s polymetallic properties require a different approach. The research and development

program has the potential to benefit the mining industry more broadly in South Australia, as heap leaching has the potential to deliver lower capital and operating costs, increased scalability, reduced potable water use and the ability to process lowergrade ores.

Separate to the trial, BHP continues to progress studies the Brownfield Expansion Project, or BFX, as part of Olympic Dam’s resource development strategy which seeks to potentially increase production to between 240 and 300 kt per year. www.bhp.com

New paste thickener gives efficient dewatering Tailings dewatering and disposal is a challenge that every mining operation has to deal with.

The Outotec 2nd Generation Paste Thickener is designed to maximise underflow density regardless of challenging mineralogy and tailings feed rate variation. It enables consistent and efficient dewatering performance - even with changing process conditions. Through consistent performance and high underflow density, the 2nd Generation Outotec Paste Thickener maximises beaching angle in the tailings storage facility to provide safer

operations and optimised lifespan. The new paste thickener provides ease of operation and reliability for applications requiring a high degree of dewatering, such as minerals tailings, mine backfill, and pre-leach and CCD circuits. The technology is customised to address each operation’s unique drivers, which can include environmental concerns, water recovery, regulatory requirements, tailings management, or limitations on available land space. www.outotec.com

Twin Metals opts for dry stack tailings On 18 July, Twin Metals Minnesota (TMM) announced plans to use the environmentally friendly dry stack method to store the leftover rock from its proposed underground coppernickel mine to be located nine miles southeast of Ely, Minnesota. The dry stack method eliminates the storage pond and dam associated with conventional tailings facilities. It has been successfully used in four mines in the northern United States and Canada with similar climates to Minnesota and has been permitted at two mines in the western United States.

Using the dry stack method, remaining tailings will be compressed into low-moisture, sand-like deposits and stored on a lined ground facility near the plant site. Reclamation of the tailing site can occur in stages and can be capped or covered with natural vegetation.

Kelly Osborne, Chief Executive Officer of Twin Metals Minnesota, said “The first key is that there’s no dam, no risk of dam failure.

The moisture content of the filtered tailings is reduced to a material that we can compact and manage seasonally.”

Community concerns about copper nickel mines have focused on fears of tailings dam failure or leaks that could threaten both nearby surface water and groundwater.

Because there is no dam, risk of dam leakage or failure is eliminated. Tailings from the Maturi Deposit will be non-acid-generating, as only a minute amount of sulphides will remain in them. The approach will be outlined in detail in TMM’s Mine Plan of Operation being submitted this year. www.twin-metals.com

Selected hydrometallurgy papers of interest Global Survey of Copper Solvent Extraction: 2018 Operating Data and Practice Kathryn C. Sole, Kathryn C. Sole Consulting et al.

Global practice in copper solvent extraction is reviewed, based on individual plant operating data for 2018.

Technology Options and Innovation for Copper Heap Leaching Damian Connelly, METS Engineering Pty Ltd The metallurgical heart of the majority of copper oxide processes is the heap leaching operation. Fresh low grade sulphide ores is a far greater challenge.

Effect of Substrate Treatment on the Electrochemical Properties and Stability of Dimensionally Stable Anode Yuhe Lu, Wei Wang, Feng Xie, Northeastern University Dimensionally stable IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti anode (DSA) can be used as anode in water electrolysis and electrowinning process.

Electrolytic Refining of High Ni Copper Anode at the Tank House in Naoshima Smelter and Refinery Takashi Ikemoto, Osamu Inoue, Takashi Yamashita, Mitsubishi Materials Corporation The expansion project in Naoshima smelter.

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

Outotec 2nd Generation Paste Thickener in operation at Yara Siilinjärvi apatite mine in Finland

Collaborations at international Tailings 2019 The 6th International Seminar on Tailings Management, Tailings 2019 saw over 430 attendees from 20 countries gather from 10-12 July in Santiago, Chile. A total of 65 lectures on Tailings Management in Mining were presented in English and Spanish.

The Opening Address included ‘Technologies and Innovation to de-risk Tailings Deposits’

by Carlos Pavissich, Tailings Manager, Copper Projects, BHP Minerals Americas, Chile. The Organisers were particularly grateful to the authors for their invaluable technical contributions and willingness to share their knowledge and experiences in tailings management.

Monitoring call

In June 2019 the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) invited vendors and research institutions to provide an Expression of Interest (EoI) to support its work on strengthening the monitoring and surveillance of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs). Vendors and research institutions that can provide the relevant solutions and technologies were invited to attend a vendor engagement session at Tailings 2019 to explore collaboration opportunities with ICMM members and vendors. www.gecamin.com www.icmm.com

S10 | PRIMARY SMELTING

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

Seventy years of flash smelting This year marks the 70th anniversary of flash smelting, records Outotec Smelting Issue 1 2019. The technology was operated for the first time on an industrial scale on 20 April 1949 at the Harjavalta copper smelter in Finland.

16th International Flash Smelting Congress

Harjavalta flash smelting Photo: Stefan Berg Šfree 2012

The go-ahead for construction of the pilot plant at Harjavalta was given in 1946 and the first experiments were undertaken in February 1947. The encouraging results led to the owner, at that time Outokumpu, initiating the design and construction of the flash smelting furnace.

This small - yet nationally very important metals producer was under pressure to decrease its dependency on electricity, since a third of the total grid capacity had been lost to Russia during the winter and continuation wars.

The first few years were laborious and difficult for the operating personnel, with calls to halt the trials and suspicions about the feasibility of the smelting method. The situation was worsened by two fatal accidents that occurred in the smelter, the first on 25 April 1949 just a week after start-up, which resulted in a twoweek stoppage to enable safety improvements to be made.

The new process was a puzzle of equipment connected in a new way, and lots of changes

Unbenannt-1 1

had to be made to get the process to achieve its set targets. Although it took until the 1950s to resolve the start-up pains, the goal to decrease energy consumption was achieved. The total electricity consumption of the flash smelter line was about 1,000 kWh per ton of anode copper, while the electrical smelter line was consuming approximately 3,000 kWh to produce the same amount of anode copper.

The energy consumption of flash smelting has further decreased by approximately 20% since then due to the extensive development work that has taken place both at the Outotec Research Center in Pori, Finland and in cooperation with operators of the technology in many countries across the globe. The development path of flash smelting has seen various moves into different commodities such as its adoption for nickel production in 1959, for sulphur production from pyrite in 1962, and for production of lead from impure and pure concentrates in the 1960s. The major

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

The tradition of the International Flash Smelting Congress began almost 50 years ago on 23 October 1972, when engineers from 14 Flash smelters around the world convened in Pori, Finland to share their operating experiences. The event was successful and lead to a long-lasting tradition with subsequent Congresses arranged every three years to on six different continents to date. The Congress visited China for the first time in 2008 and is returning to the Asian continent and Sanya, China in November of 2020.

The congress program includes three days of brilliant technical sessions where the Flash Smelting family exchange best practices for the benefit of all Flash Smelting licensees and two days of field trips to nearby smelters. Outotec is very excited to have the honour to arrange this important event for the 16th time and looks forward to welcoming lots of old and new colleagues to this unique and valuable networking event. Detailed information will be sent to Flash Smelting licensees in autumn 2019. www.outotec.com

developments have been the adoption of Direct to Blister in the 1970s and the development and application of continuous flash converting in cooperation with the Kennecott smelter during the 1980s and 1990s, at the same time as the Direct Outotec Nickel process was adopted for nickel. Recent decades have seen a greater focus on increasing safety, campaign time, and productivity through the development of furnaces and process equipment. www.outotec.com

20.07.2017 11:05:21

CONTRACTS & PEOPLE | S11

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

Chinese Mainland project updates On the ground, the Baiyin Nonferrous Metals Co., Ltd. flash furnace project has been officially put into production one month after ignition day (16 May), and the first batch of liquid copper successfully produced. The smelting capacity is expected to reach 400 ktpy.

Elsewhere, Jinguan Copper Company’s copper anode slime comprehensive utilisation project formally started trial run on 29 May. The project adopts the Kaldo furnace to deal with 5000 t of copper anode slime (dry).

The annual recovery capacities include about 600 t of copper, 6 t of gold, about 200 t of silver, and 175 t of selenium.

The Heilongjiang Zijin Copper Co., Ltd. 150 ktpy copper smelting

project in Qiqihar City has completed 95% of civil works and more than 80% of installed engineering.

The 4 billion yuan project began construction in May 2017 and is scheduled to be completed and put into operation in August 2019, according to Antaike. The maximum annual production capacity is 150,000 t of copper cathode, 600,000 t of sulphuric acid, 3 t of gold, and 50 t of silver.

Lastly, Phase 3 of Baotou Huading C o p p e r I n d u s t r y C o., LT D. (Huading Copper)’s third-stage bottom-blowing refining furnace designed by China ENFI Engineering Corpor ation (China EN FI) was successfully put into operation

and produced qualified anode copper on 2 July, marking the completion and operation of the world’s first continuous copper smelting line with bottom-blowing and hot-state tri-furnace.

The third phase project adopts oxygen bottom blowing refining to replace the original fixed reflector refining. After the transformation, the project will completely solve the energ y con sumption and environmental protection problems of high-temperature coarse copper melt hanging steamed buns and fixed reflector refining furnace, and provide a new green smelting model for the industry. www.antaike.com

New thermoprocess solution for high organic WEEE Germany’s KÜTTNER has developed a new smart process solution for treatment of high organic containing WEEE (Waste of Electrical and Electronic Equipment) using its KTRC furnace system (Küttner Tiltable Rotary Converter) as key equipment.

The KTRC furnace system is low in CAPEX as well as OPEX and comparatively easy to operate. It allows a smooth operation and control of the new autothermic process.

The recovery of energy as steam or electricity, valuable

metals and the generation of an inert slag product out of such raw materials, can be now realised in an economically interesting way.

Pilot test works were done successfully. KÜTTNER is designing the first plant with a capacity of approximately 85,0 0 0 tonnes per year throughput of high organic WEEE on an EPC basis. By its new process solution, KÜTTNER is contributing further in closing material life cycles.

Schematic of the new KÜTTNER WEEE treatment process

www.kuettner.com

Record ore processing contract for Weir The Weir Group PLC (Weir) has been awarded a record £100 million order to provide Weir crushing and pump equipment, including Enduron® High Pressure Grinding Rolls and GEHO® pumps, to the Iron Bridge Magnetite Project in Western Australia. The solution will reduce

energy consumption and wet tailings waste by more than 30% compared to traditional mining technologies.

An Enduron ® HPGR delivers as much as 5N/mm in pressure, significantly reducing even highlycompetent ores, such as diamond, gold, copper and coarse iron ore,

while achieving throughputs of up 9,000 t/hr that ball mills can’t match.

Further, GEHO® piston and piston diaphragm pumps have the ability to handle slurry concentrations up to 85% and temperatures exceeding 200° Celsius. www.global.weir

Pugh leads ANDRITZ Maerz in North America ANDRITZ Maerz of Düsseldorf Germany has expanded its North American presence by welcoming Jim Pugh as new Vice President of Sales, North America. Pugh brings with him nearly 30 years of experience in sales and marketing to the metals industry. He has worked in the furnace industry since 1990, beginning as control systems engineer and then moving into a sales leadership role for other internationally recognised companies.

In his role prior to joining ANDRITZ Maerz, Pugh focused on sales and service of advanced annealing systems to the finishing area of the world’s leading producers of steel, aluminium and copper-base metals. Through this key addition, A NDR IT Z M aer z ha s bet ter positioned itself to quickly support, service and respond to the local market needs throughout the North America Continent. www.andritz.com

Jim Pugh is the new Vice President of Sales, North America for ANDRITZ Maerz

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

Dr. Martin Bakker joins ANDRITZ Maerz team

Left is Heinz-Willi Maassen, Sales Manager, with new Product Manager, Non-Ferrous Metals for ANDRITZ Maerz, Dr. Martin Bakker at COM + Copper 2019 recently

The process engineering capabilities of ANDRITZ Maerz of Düsseldorf Germany have been enhanced by appointing Dr. Martin Bakker as the new Product Manager Non-Ferrous Metals. Dr. Bakker brings with him over 25 years of experience in process design and development in addition to project management and delivery to the base metals industry.

He has worked in the industry since 1990, beginning as metallurgical engineer and then moving into senior management roles for other international companies.

Pr io r to j o in ing A N D R IT Z Maerz, Dr. Bakker focused on technology development for the pyrometalllurgical recovery of base metals (copper, nickel, lead and zinc) from concentrates, slags, and secondary feedstocks. With this key appointment, ANDRITZ Maerz has clearly strengthened its capabilities in the supply of complete technology packages to the base metals market. General enquiries to: welcome-maerz@andritz.com www.andritz.com

Mina Justa to receive Schenck screen technology Schenck Process has won a contract to design manufacture, supply and commission state of the art vibrating screens and feeders for the greenfield Mina Justa copper project, in Peru.

The order will see Schenck business units on four continents combine to deliver seven banana screens (across three models), five diverging pan feeders and one grizzly feeder.

Mina Justa, owned by Minsur and Empresas Copec through holding company Cumbres Andinas, is due to produce around 100,000 tpy of copper when fully ramped up. www.schenckprocess.com

S12 | CONTRACTS & PEOPLE

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

New FLSmidth Service Center in Copiapó

to optimise their operations, as well as support when it comes to inspections, process audits and technical issues. Copiapó Service Center joins other FLSmidth service facilities in the South America Region, such as São Paulo (Brazil), Arequipa (Peru), Iquique, Antofagasta and Santiago (Chile).

Metso has been awarded with an order to supply crushing and material handling equipment for the first stage of Codelco’s El Teniente copper mine expansion project located in Cachapoal Province in central Chile.

El Teniente is the world’s largest underground copper mine The expansion project, called El Teniente New Mine Level, is expected to add 50 years to the life of the mine. The start-up of the first stage is in 2023.

Once completed, the full expansion will allow El Teniente to maintain its current output of approximately 450,000 tonnes of refined copper per year.

Metso’s delivery will include primary gyratory crushing equipment with apron feeders and conveyer belts as well as related services. Most of the equipment deliveries to El Teniente are scheduled for 2021, while services will be carried out between 2022 and 2023.

www.flsmidth.com

www.metso.com

FLSmidth has launched a new Service Center for mining customers in northern Chile

FLSmidth has launched a new Service Center for mining customers in the north of Chile. The opening event was attended by a number of key customers and representatives from local authorities. The 8,000 m² space focuses on the fast delivery of mining equipment to customers and component maintenance.

The Service Center has a primary

emphasis on supplying solutions that extend the asset’s life cycle, such as repairs and rebuilds; equipment and components upgrades; parts and consumables strategic stocking programs; tailored training programs; technical assistance; and customised service packages. The Service Center ensures customers receive the required knowhow

Codelco El Teniente expansion order

Conical spacers reduce Isamill specific energy

A conical spacer on its way to an IsaMill in South Africa

Reducing the specif ic energ y requirements from fine grinding by even a small amount is critical to cost savings and boosting the returns from mineral processing.

Glencore Technology has developed, tested and now commercialised conical spacers for their IsaMillTM fine grinding technology that have achieved extremely significant reductions in energy draw. Tests in an IsaMill processing pyrite concentrate for gold recovery showed they re duce d the specif ic e ne rg y requirement by 12.7% to 21.5% depending on the P80 requirements.

The greater the fine grinding duty the greater the savings recorded. At the

same time, and just as important, the new conical spacers have no adverse effect on the particle size distribution. They simply reduce the specific energy required to produce a given product size.

Technology Manager Virginia Lawson said the IsaMill had already been shown to grind metalliferous concentrates to a smaller size and to be significantly more energy and metallurgically efficient than conventional ball mills and tower mills, but it was imperative for the company to explore ways of finding further efficiency gains to contribute to the deliverables of an IsaMillTM. The testwork program

A comparison of conical and conventional spacers shows significant energy savings, and these mean significant improvements in cost curves and dollars per tonne

progressed from the laboratory to pilot scale and then to a production scale M1000 IsaMill before being installed permanently on that mill.

The specific energy reduction - and potential reduction in regrinding power bill for the client - improved with the fineness of the regrind product: grinding to a P80 of 22um produced a 12.7% saving, while fine grinding to 15um saved 21.5%. Lawson says the results are incredibly significant for users of an IsaMillTM and for those considering

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

investing in a new fine grinding asset. The spacers were best suited to sites with relatively fine grind size targets and high specific energy consumptions. A paper detailing these gains, ‘Improving IsaMill™ Energy Efficiency through Shaft Spacer Design’, was published in Minerals Engineering Journal. The IsaMillTM turns 25 in 2019, with the first IsaMills ever deployed still in operation in McArthur River and Mt Isa. www.glencoretechnology.com.au

CONTRACTS & PEOPLE | S13

w ww.copper worl dw ide. co m

Digital optimisation of dry bulk material handling The new ABB Ability™ Stockyard Management System enables fully integrated collaborative operation by connecting all available information and process data to optimise bulk material handling terminals and stockyards of mines. Offering sophisticated material tracking and qualit y management, the new system enables seamless integration in production planning, providing real time information on handled material and supports the management of one or multiple inputs and outputs of different material qualities, storage, mixing and blending. It is a configurable system and the material flow can be modelled across all belt conveyors and transpor tation equipment with material properties and quality information via automated data interfaces.

Notable features of the ABB Ability™ Stockyard Management System include a calculated stacking model built up according to the tracked material and acting as a ‘digital twin’ of the stockyard. All data can be used for operational optimisation such as efficient space utilisation in a yard, better planning and scheduling, or more accurate mixing and blending processes. Also built-in is the ability to coordinate all excavators in the mine or yard machines in the plant at the right position with the right timing to realise a pro-active production control which enables online mixing material according to tracking, forecasting and online quality control. The new ABB Ability™

Boliden Smelters to have new President

Daniel Peltonen has been appointed new President Boliden Smelters. Photo: Boliden Fully automated stockyard with stacker and portal scraper (in Schleenhain from MIBRAG)

ABB Ability™ Stockyard Management System enables quality management with 3D stockpile and yard visualisation

Stockyard Management System is the latest addition to the portfolio of ABB Ability™ digitally-enabled industry solutions, products and services. For more details, go to: https://new.abb.com/mining/

mineoptimize/digital-applications/ operations/abb-ability-stockyardmanagement-system. ABB operates in more than 100 countries with about 147,000 employees. www.abb.com

Finnish firms in major merger plan A s variously repor ted by International Mining, G lobal Mining Review, CNBC, Reuters, and others, Metso and Outotec announced in July 2019 that they look to combine Metso Minerals and Outotec to create a leading company in process technology, equipment and services serving the minerals, metals and aggregates industries.

The combined company, comprising Metso Minerals and Outotec (but excluding Metso Flow Control), will be named ‘Metso Outotec’. It had illustrative combined sales of EUR 3.9 billion in 2018 (approximately EUR 4.2 bn including the impact of

the recently announced acquisition of McCloskey by Metso). Metso Flow Control will be a pure-play listed entity under the name of Neles with 2018 sales of EUR 593 million. The Neles headquarters will be in Vantaa, Finland.

The combination of Metso Minerals and Outotec is highly complementary and will create a unique company in the industry. Metso Outotec will leverage the strengths of both companies, including technology and R&D, product and process excellence, scale and global service offering footprint. The combination will deliver significant

benef its to all stakeholders.

The current CEO of Metso, Mr. Pekka Vauramo, will become M e t so O u tote c’s C EO, a n d the current CEO of Outotec, Mr. Markku Teräsvasara, will become the Deput y CEO of Metso Outotec. Ms. Eeva Sipilä will become the CFO and Deputy CEO of Metso Outotec.

On a combined basis, Metso Minerals and Outotec had 15,630 employees globally, as of 31 March 2019, with close to 100 nationalities represented. www.outotec.com www.metso.com

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

Daniel Peltonen has been appointed new President Boliden Smelters. He will assume the role during December 2019 and will be part of Boliden’s Group Management. The current President Boliden Smelters, Kerstin Konradsson, is leaving Boliden during the summer. Karl Söderberg was due to become acting President for Boliden Smelters, but has instead chosen to leave Boliden. Therefore Sven Hjelmstedt, Director Sales at Boliden Smelters, has been appointed as new acting President for Boliden Smelters. Sven will hold the position between when Kerstin Konradsson leaves until Daniel Peltonen commences his appointment. During that period Sven will also be part of Boliden’s Management Team.

Stable production

Boliden’s second quarter revenues were SEK 12,747 M (prior quarter 14,071) and the operating profit excluding revaluation of process inventor y wa s SEK 1,631 M. Operating profit in Boliden Mines decreased to SEK 1,149 m (prior quarter 2,044) as a result of lower grades in Tara, Kevitsa and Aitik as well as deteriorated prices and terms. Milled volumes increased in Aitik and the Boliden Area comparatively. Operating profit, excluding revaluation of process inventory, in Boliden Smelters decreased to SEK 387 m (prior quarter 630). An extensive planned maintenance shutdown in Harjavalta and an item affecting comparability in the amount of SEK -139 M for future reclamation at Rönnskär had negative effects. Rönnskär suffered a few minor disruptions, and copper production was slightly lower than last year. Feed at Kokkola was also affected by a planned maintenance shutdown. www.boliden.com

S14 | EVENT PREVIEWS

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

Metplant 2019 lands in Perth Held in Perth, Western Australia, on 9 and 10 September, Metplant 2019 brought together a broad range of disciplines from across the minerals industry to discuss and review developments in plant design, optimisation and operations. The theme of the conference is Metallurgical Plant Design and Operating Strategies - World’s Best Practice, with topics including: geometallurgy, mineral processing, hydrometallurgy, biometallurgy and pyrometallurgy; whole of life planning and operations; water, emissions and tailings

management; design of metallurgical plants - greenfield, brownfield and expansions.

The conference program has been announced and is available for download.

In addition to sessions from 38 presenters, delegates can attend the concurrent exhibition, which will showcase more than 60 exhibitors.

The conference will be immediately followed in Perth on 11-13 September by the World Gold 2019 Conference, which returns to Australia for the first time in six years. www.metplant.ausimm.com www.ceecthefuture.org

Future Copper workshop on 25 October The next joint International Copper Association (ICA) and International Wrought Copper Council (IWCC) workshop will take place in London W1 on 25 October 2019. This year, the event will take a forward look at the fundamentals of copper demand including circular economy, responsible sourcing, advances in electro-mobility and technology infrastructure. Full details of the workshop will be available closer to the time, and the respective event pages will be kept updated. Presentations as follows:

Future Copper Themes Metra Martech Vehicle Electrification and its Impact on the Future of Automotive Wire Harness Emily Anderson, The Martec Group Material Opportunities in Data Centers Andrew Baul-Lewis, BSRIA Shaping the Future of Recycling Luis Tercero, Fraunhofer ISI The Copper Mark Fleming Voetmann, ICA www.copperalliance.org www.coppercouncil.org

15th Asia Copper Conference mid-Nov The Fastmarkets MB Events 15th Asia Copper Conference will be returning to Shanghai from 19 - 21 November 2019. The conference is part of CESCO Asia Copper Week, which brings over 2,000 attendees. With over 40 expert speakers presenting over two days, the conference will give you key insights into the market while helping you maximise on the week’s immense networking potential by putting you in the same room as real decision makers. Topics for discussion this year include: New developments in copper Where have new supply and demand side projects come online?

What supply and demand dynamics are we currently seeing in China?

Copper demand - who’s buying what?

How will the electric vehicle boom affect copper demand?

How has the ratio of unwrought copper and copper concentrate imports changed recently?

Global copper regulation Responsible Production Assurance how will it affect your business?

The impact of environmental restrictions on global production.

Spotlight on smelters How are low treatment charges affecting smelters’ ability to refine copper to functional capacity?

What is the future role of CSPD in China?

Production patterns in copper and new investment opportunities Assessing the availability of copper concentrate in Latin America. www.metalbulletin.com www.fastmarkets.com

Make IMARC in Melbourne Following the success of 2018, the 6th annual International Mining and Resources Conference in Melbourne, Australia will continue to cover the entire mining supply chain, with special focus on exploration, project investment, M&As and joint ventures, digital transformation, and global opportunities. New streams for 2019 include Energy (including clean energy / critical minerals), EHS & the Community, the Workforce, as well as Mine

Progress through the OTTO JUNKER Academy For personnel to stay abreast of today’s demands, the OTTO JUNKER Academy was established at the end of 2014 with the aim of conveying knowledge and experience in planning and upgrading as well as in the operation, maintenance and repair of industrial furnace equipment.

Dates and registration forms for the latest OTTO JUNKER Academy 2019 events are online: 07 - 09 October 2019 Foundry Plants (English) 08 - 09 October 2019 Thermoprocessing Plants (English) The seminars focus on cost effectiveness, reliability, energy efficiency and safety.

The seminar fee fixed per person and seminar, irrespective of the number of modules booked.

The course registration deadline is 27 September 2019.

Modules for Foundry Plants

Include: Fundamentals of induction melting Physical fundamentals, coreless furnace and channel-type furnace Operating mode, application area and main components State of the art in induction furnace manufacturing Furnace mechanics and hydraulics

Modules for Thermoprocessing Plants

Include: Fundamentals of heat transfer Heat treatment methods Flow and heat transfer Getting the heat into the charge Heating systems of heat treatment equipment: Cost and energy efficiency R&D at OTTO JUNKER GmbH. www.otto-junker.com

LME Metals Seminar 2019

This year, over 7,000 decision makers are expected to attend from over 100 countries.

Attendees will hear from over 300 thought leaders and meet with over 250 exhibitors.

The Keynote speaker announced for LME Metals Seminar 2019 on 28 October is Jean-Sébastien Jacques (J-S), Chief Executive of Rio Tinto. J-S has a distinguished career with over 25 years’ experience in heavy industry and mining and will undoubtedly open the seminar with some key industry insights.

Join more than 600 delegates in the metal and mining industries for the LME Metals Seminar, the key annual event for the global metals community.

www.imarcmelbourne.com

www.lme.com

and Plant Optimisation. The latest Agenda is available to download: 28 October - Workshops and Masterclasses 29 - 31 October - Conference and Expo

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

Part of Asia Asia Copper Week

Copper Worldwide readers

SAVE 15% Enter discount code CW15 at checkout

metalbulletin.com/events/ac

Asia Copper 2019 19 – 21 November Grand Hyatt Shanghai Shanghai, China

40+ expert speakers presenting over 2 days The Asia Copper Conference will help to maximise the immense networking potential of CESCO Asia Copper Week by putting you in the same room as the market’s most powerful decision makers.

Confirmed to speak: MATTHEW CHAMBERLAIN, CEO, London Metal Exchange YUANHUI LUI, Production Director, Shandong Humon Smelting MICHAEL LION, President, Lion Consulting Asia MARK LOVEITT, President, IWCC RUI SHI, President Trading & Operations, Metal Challenges Group TRACY LIAO, Head of China Commodities Strategy, Citi YIWEI MAO, Deputy CEO, Jiangxi Copper

Find out more: metalbulletin.com/events/ac

24 | EVENT PREVIEWS

www. c op p e r wor l d w i de. co m

Cyprus hosts SIPS 2019 The SIPS 2019 Sustainable Industrial Processing Summit & Exhibition takes place from 23 - 27 October 2019 in Paphos, Cyprus. There are in excess of 450 papers expected from around 60 countries. This yearly event is deeply science-focused and industrial engineering-oriented, having been organised since 2003 by the not-for-profit corporation FLOGEN Stars Outreach (www.flogen.org), which is dedicated to achieving sustainability through science and technology. Following the rich tradition of previous years, the summit will cover 3 sustainability pillars: (1) Science, Technology & Industry, (2) Governance & Management and (3) Education & Civil Society.

Dr. Florian Kongoli, Chairman of FLOGEN Stars Outreach and President of SIPS 2018 Organising Committee (Rio de Janeiro, November 2018) in conversation with Nobel Laureates Prof. Kurt Wüthrich (2002), Prof. Sir Fraser Stoddart (2016), Prof. Sir. Andre Geim (2010) and Prof. Donna Nelson (2016 President of American Chemical Society)

There are ten honorary Symposia covering, e.g. Mining and Smelting (Dr. Krishna Parameswaran), Materials Recycling (Prof.

Pavel Kozlov), Alloys, and various Chemistry Branch Applications, as well as further themed Symposia on other aspects of Sustainable Industrial Processing. Six Nobel Laureates

Sulphur is focus in Houston The next CRU Sulphur 2019 + Sulphuric Acid Conference and Exhibition takes place from 4-7 November 2019 in Houston, Texas.

For more than 30 years, the conference has been a premier event for anybody working in sulphur and sulphuric acid production, consumption and trade. Over 50 papers will be delivered and over 70 exhibitors are expected, along with over 500 delegates.

Following site visit and workshop events on 4 November, the market outlook and the IMO 2020 Regulations will be debated on 5 November. Then the Industrial Sulphuric Acid Streams on 6 - 7 November will feature papers on digitalisation, energy recovery, emissions management, corrosion protection, improving plant performance, and mist elimination technology. The heat recovery workshop on 6 November will focus on various aspects of engineering, specifications, and operation and maintenance of heat recovery systems from the energy rejected from acid systems, including: • Heat Recovery in Sulfuric Acid Plants: - Turning Costs into Profits

World Copper Conference runs in March 2020 CRU’s 19th World Copper Conference takes place from 23 - 25 March 2020 in Santiago, Chile as part of the annual CESCO Week program. Annually nearly 500 senior executives from over 35 countries convene.

Themes in 2020 will reflect the market conditions as was the case in 2019, when rising mining costs, the impact of Chinese government legislation to ban scrap imports, sustainable copper and traceability, and forecasts for green technology were some of the key topics. www.events.crugroup.com

have confirmed their participation namely: Dan Shechtman, Kurt Wuthrich, Ferid Murad, Rudy A. Marcus, Yuan T. Lee and Klaus Von Klitzing, as well as the 2016 President of American Chemical Society and former Director of National Science Foundation, USA. www.flogen.org/sips2019

Asia Copper Week in Shanghai

The 2018 Asia Copper Dinner

View of a Sulphur 2018 Plenary Session. Photo: CRU

• MECS HRS® • Design Philosophies to Improve Plant Safety and Operability • SafeHR Heat Recovery Technology • Increasing Energy Recovery in Sulphuric Acid Plants. www.sulphurconference.com

New Copper 2020 forum in Lima The Copper 2020 Copper World Conference is due to take place from 28 - 30 October 2020 in Lima, Peru. It aims to have over 200 papers, around 250 exhibitors, and approaching 10,000 participants, according to Organisers InterMet. The Call for Abstracts closes on 31 January 2020. Abstracts should not exceed 300 words in English or Spanish and be sent to: program@ copper2020.com please. Other upcoming InterMet events in Lima include Plant Design 2020 from 16 - 17 April, 2020, Flotation 2020 from 3 - 5 June 2020, and Hydrometallurgy 2021 from 29 - 30 April 2021. www.encuentrometalurgia.com www.copper2020.com

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

The Center for Copper and Mining Studies (CESCO) and China Nonferrous Metals Industry Association (CNIA) present the eighth Asia Copper Week, now Asia’s leading copper event.

ACW 2019 features four major events: Asia Copper Conference (20 - 21 November), then the CEO Summit and most importantly, Asia Copper Dinner (ACD) on 21st November, and finally the IWCC&SHFE China Copper Seminar on 22 November. The ACD 2018 held in SHICC was attended by over 2,000 international industry representatives and 60 leading luminaries. www.asiacopperweek.com www.cesco.cl

ALTA 2020 in Perth, WA

ALTA 2020 is celebrating its 25th year

www.altamet.com.au

25 | PRODUCT INFORMATION

Horizon strategy pays off for SMS Group

Schematic of the Boxbay system in operation.

Photo: SMS group

The Annual SMS group Press Conference took place at the GIFA Fair in Duesseldorf on 26th June.

Burkhard Dahmen, CEO said as well as sustainably strengthening the four strategic growth areas, SMS group’s strategy continues to incorporate selected investments and acquisitions. The SMS digital unit is achieving further success with its platform mySMSgroup.

Under its ‘New Horizon’ strategy, SMS group has developed an innovative plant for producing high-quality metal powder for 3D printing. The joint venture BOXBAY, founded together with DP World, a leading port operator, in Dubai, also stems from the strategy. This project involves a new interpretation of the proven storage and transport technology from SMS subsidiary AMOVA for handling metal coils that weigh up to 50 tonnes. The High Bay Storage system triples storage capacity on the same floor area.

making capabilities for clients.

SGS is a global leader in the geochemical laboratory analytical testing sector with over 160 geochemical laboratories in 45 countries. The FAST solution reflects a commitment to servicing the mining and smelting industries throughout the entire value chain, leveraging leading technologies.

SGS operates on-site and nearsite laboratories in some of the most remote locations in the world, regardless of the climate, the altitude, the logistics or the sample volume. www.sgs.com

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY BULK MATERIAL HANDLING Kopar Oy

Sepänkatu 2 FI-39700 Parkano Finland Tel: +358 3 440180 E-mail: sales@kopar.fi Web: www.kopar.fi

CONCENTRATE DRYING Kumera Corporation

ELECTROLYTIC REFINING Metalex

Hernando de Aguirre 162 Of. 806 Santiago, Chile Tel: 0056 2335 2217 Fax: 0056 2321 8280 E-mail: alillo@metalex.cl Web: www.metalex.cl Contact: Alejandro (Alex) R. Lillo

Mettop GmbH

Inline analysers with toughness

by SensoTech

SensoTech LiquiSonic® analyser

SensoTech analysers are ideal instruments for the rugged process conditions encountered in the metal and mining industries. The sensors allow precise control and accurate measurements, despite extreme temperatures, pressure and other harsh environments. Where accuracy is critical, or where high pressure, www.sms-group.com high temperatures or sensitive www.box-bay.com processing environments make sampling impractical or impossible, SensoTech analysers are ideal for monitoring inline processes.

LiquiSonic® sensors are engineered for tough industrial processes including Class I Division 1 Hazardous Area installations. A rugged housing is crucial for protection and high mechanical stability. Depending on the sensor type, housings are able to withstand temperatures up to 200 °C or 392 °F, rated pressures up to 500 bar or 7,250 psi and are resistant to lye, acids and solvents.

The SGS Field Analytical Services and Testing (FAST) Every LiquiSonic® system can be approach easily adapted as various process Field Analy tical Ser vices and conditions are modified.

Testing (FAST) is a new service www.sensotech.com for the metals and mining industry in North America and Australia launched earlier in 2019 by SGS Analytical Services. FAST provides real-time data acquisition in the field by pairing portable instrumentation and machine learning. It will bring instrumentation into the field, provide data within 24 to 48 hours and enable real-time decision-

FAST solutions for in-field testing from SGS

Tell us about your innovations

Kumerankatu 2 FI-11100 Riihimäki Finland Tel: 00358 (0)20 755 4200 Fax: 00358 (0)20 755 4320 E-mail: kumera@kumera.com Web: www.kumera.com Contact: Hannu Mansikkaviita

CONTINUOUS ROTARY EXTRUSION

Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 81787 Fax: 0043 (0)3842 1787-8 E-mail: cu@mettop.com Web: www.mettop.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

ELECTRONIC SCRAP RECYCLING UrbanGold GmbH

Holton Crest Limited

10 Cowley Road, Poole, Dorset BH17 0UJ, UK Tel: +44 1202 681 501 Fax: +44 1202 681 502 Email: info@holtoncrest.com Web: www.holtoncrest.com Contact: Malcolm Ladd

COOLING SOLUTIONS

Peter-Tunner-Str. 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)664 88364080 E-mail: www.urbangold.at Web: recycling@urbangold.at Contact: Dr. Stefan Konetschnik

ELECTROWINNING Metalex

Mettop GmbH

Peter-Tunner-Str. 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 81787 Fax: 0043 (0)3842 1787-8 E-mail: cu@mettop.com Web: www.mettop.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

ELECTROLYTE PURIFICATION

Hernando de Aguirre 162 Of. 806 Santiago, Chile Tel: 0056 2335 2217 Fax: 0056 2321 8280 E-mail: alillo@metalex.cl Web: www.metalex.cl Contact: Alejandro (Alex) R. Lillo

FURNACES Kumera Corporation

Metalex

Hernando de Aguirre 162 Of. 806 Santiago, Chile Tel: 0056 2335 2217 Fax: 0056 2321 8280 E-mail: alillo@metalex.cl Web: www.metalex.cl Contact: Alejandro (Alex) R. Lillo

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

Kumerankatu 2 FI-11100 Riihimäki Finland Tel: 00358 (0)20 755 4200 Fax: 00358 (0)20 755 4320 E-mail: kumera@kumera.com Web: www.kumera.com Contact: Hannu Mansikkaviita

26 | SUPPLIER DIRECTORY FURNACES Contd

www. c op p e r wor l dw i de. co m

MATERIALS HANDLING Contd

Küttner GmbH & Co. KG Kumera Corporation Alfredstr. 28 D-45130 Essen Germany Tel: 0049 201 7293 0 Fax: 0049 201 7293 134 Email: team-knf@kuettner.com Web: www.kuettner.com Contact: Dr. Farzad Salehi

FURNACES, MELTING DROSS AND SCRAP PolyMet Solutions GmbH

Kumerankatu 2 FI-11100 Riihimäki Finland Tel: 00358 (0)20 755 4200 Fax: 00358 (0)20 755 4320 E-mail: kumera@kumera.com Web: www.kumera.com Contact: Hannu Mansikkaviita

MINERAL PROCESSING Weir Minerals Europe Limited Peter-Tunner-Str. 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 817 87 E-mail: andreas.filzwieser@polymetsolutions.com Web: www.polymet-solutions.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

FURNACES, MELTING, TILTING AND ROTARY ANDRITZ Maerz GmbH

Web: andritz.com

HEAT RECOVERY Küttner GmbH & Co. KG

hpl-Neugnadenfelder Maschinenfabrik GmbH

Halifax Road Todmorden Lancashire OL14 5RT United Kingdom Tel: 0044 1706 814251 Fax: 0044 1706 815350 Email: europe.minerals@mail.weir Web: www.minerals.weir Contact: Sales

Unit 3, Alpha Court Capitol Park, Thorne Doncaster DN8 5TZ UK Tel: 0044 (0) 1302 321313 Fax: 0044 (0) 1302 554400 E-mail: enquiries@schenckprocess.co.uk Web: www.schenckprocess.co.uk Contact: Richard Sims

REFRACTORIES AND INSULATION HarbisonWalker International

1305 Cherrington Parkway, Suite 100, Moon Township, PA 15108 USA Tel: 001 905 977 7694 E-mail: anthony.rigby@thinkhwi.com Web: www.thinkhwi.com Contact: Joe Rigby Spangenbergstr. 20 D-49824 Ringe/Neugnadenfeld Germany Tel: 0049 5944 9301 0 Fax: 0049 5944 9301 44 E-mail: info@hpl-group.de Web: www.hpl-group.de Contact: Mr. Hans-Jaochim Biedermann

Küttner GmbH & Co. KG

PNEUMATIC CONVEYING/ INJECTION Schenck Process Corneliusstraße 36 40215 Duesseldorf Germany Tel: 0049 211 38425 0 E-mail: welcome-maerz@andritz.com

PROCESSING LINES Contd

Alfredstr. 28 D-45130 Essen Germany Tel: 0049 201 7293 0 Fax: 0049 201 7293 134 Email: team-knf@kuettner.com Web: www.kuettner.com Contact: Dr. Farzad Salehi

PROJECT ENGINEERING Küttner GmbH & Co. KG

Alfredstr. 28 D-45130 Essen Germany Tel: 0049 201 7293 0 Fax: 0049 201 7293 134 Email: team-knf@kuettner.com Web: www.kuettner.com Contact: Dr. Farzad Salehi

PolyMet Solutions GmbH

Peter-Tunner-Str. 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 817 87 E-mail: andreas.filzwieser@polymetsolutions.com Web: www.polymet-solutions.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

RHI MAGNESITA

Wienerbergstraße 9 A-1100 Vienna Austria Tel: 0043 (0) 50 213 – 6200 Fax: 0043 (0) 50 213 – 6391 E-mail: nfm-marketing@rhi-magnesita.com Web: www.rhi-magnesita.com

Saint-Gobain Industrial Ceramics Limited

Mettop GmbH

PROCESS MODELLING Alfredstr. 28 D-45130 Essen Germany Tel: 0049 201 7293 0 Fax: 0049 201 7293 134 Email: team-knf@kuettner.com Web: www.kuettner.com Contact: Dr. Farzad Salehi

MATERIALS HANDLING Combilift Ltd

UrbanGold GmbH

Peter-Tunner-Str. 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)664 88364080 E-mail: www.urbangold.at Web: recycling@urbangold.at Contact: Dr. Stefan Konetschnik

PROCESSING LINES DANIELI FRÖHLING

Gallinagh Monaghan Town Co. Monaghan Ireland Tel: 00353 (0)47 80500 Fax: 00353 (0)47 80501 E Mail: info@combilift.com Web: www.combilift.com Contact: Sales Office

DANIELI GERMANY GMBH Scherl 12 D - 58540 Meinerzhagen Germany Tel: 0049 2354 7082 0 Fax: 0049 2354 7082 200 Email: sales.germany@danieli.com Web: www.danieli.com Contact: Detlef Neumann

Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 81787 Fax: 0043 (0)3842 1787-8 E-mail: cu@mettop.com Web: www.mettop.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES & EQUIPMENT

Mill Lane, Rainford St Helens, Merseyside WA11 8LP, UK Tel: 0044 (0)1744 887939 E-mail: craig.d.brennan@saint-gobain.com Web: www.refractories.saint-gobain.com Contact: Craig Brennan

REFRACTORIES ENGINEERING Mettop GmbH

PolyMet Solutions GmbH

Peter-Tunner-Str. 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 817 87 E-mail: andreas.filzwieser@polymetsolutions.com Web: www.polymet-solutions.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

Peter-Tunner-Strasse 4 A-8700 Leoben Austria Tel: 0043 (0)3842 81787 Fax: 0043 (0)3842 1787-8 E-mail: cu@mettop.com Web: www.mettop.com Contact: Dr. Andreas Filzwieser

SUPPLIER DIRECTORY | 27

www.copperwor ldw ide. co m

ROLLING MILL TECHNOLOGY DANIELI FRÖHLING

DANIELI GERMANY GMBH Scherl 12 D - 58540 Meinerzhagen Germany Tel: 0049 2354 7082 0 Fax: 0049 2354 7082 200 Email: sales.germany@danieli.com Web: www.danieli.com Contact: Detlef Neumann

SMELTING – PRIMARY ANDRITZ Maerz GmbH

40215 Duesseldorf Germany Tel: 0049 211 38425 0 E-mail: welcome-maerz@andritz.com Web: andritz.com

Alfredstr. 28 Via Torino 1 15122 - San Michele (AL) P.O. Box 362 – 15121 Italy Tel: 0039 0131 363636 Fax: 0039 0131 361611 E-mail: sales@mino.it Web: www.mino.it Contact: Geminiano Chiesa

Primetals Technologies USA LLC

50 Prescott Street Worcester, Massachusetts, USA 01605 Tel: 001 508 755 6111 Fax: 001 508 849 6573 E-mail: contact@primetals.com Web: www.primetals.com Contact: David Gow

SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS

Heath & Sherwood (1964) Limited

Corneliusstraße 36

Küttner GmbH & Co. KG

MINO S.p.A.

TUYERES - PUNCHING, SILENCING, PYROMETRY

D-45130 Essen

512 Government Road West P.O. Box 340 Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada, P2N 3J2 Tel: 001 705 567 5313 Fax: 001 705 568 8545 E-mail: info@heathandsherwood.com Web: www.heathandsherwood.com Contact: Michael Marinigh

WEIGHING AND FEEDING

Germany Tel: 0049 201 7293 0 Fax: 0049 201 7293 134

Schenck Process

Email: team-knf@kuettner.com Web: www.kuettner.com Contact: Dr. Farzad Salehi

SMELTING – SECONDARY ANDRITZ Maerz GmbH

Pallaswiesenstraße 100 64293 Darmstadt Germany Tel: 0049 61 51 15 31 0 Fax: 0049 61 51 15 31 66 E-mail: sales-eu@schenckprocess.com Web: www.schenckprocess.com Contact: Martin Brauer

Corneliusstraße 36 40215 Duesseldorf Germany Tel: 0049 211 38425 0 E-mail: welcome-maerz@andritz.com Web: andritz.com

Küttner GmbH & Co. KG

Alex Stewart (International) Corporation

Alex Stewart International 2b Sefton Business Park, Netherton Liverpool, Merseyside L30 1RD, UK Tel: 0044 (0)151 525 1499 Fax: 0044 (0) 151 523 3760 E-mail: analysis@alexstewartinternational.com Web: www.alexstewartinternational.com Contact: Stephen Russell

Alfredstr. 28 D-45130 Essen Germany Tel: 0049 201 7293 0 Fax: 0049 201 7293 134 Email: team-knf@kuettner.com Web: www.kuettner.com Contact: Dr. Farzad Salehi

SOLVENT EXTRACTION Metalex

SCREENING Schenck Process

Hernando de Aguirre 162 Of. 806 Pallaswiesenstraße 100 64293 Darmstadt Germany Tel: 0049 61 51 15 31 0 Fax: 0049 61 51 15 31 66 E-mail: screening-eu@schenckprocess.com Web: www.schenckprocess.com Contact: Ingo Fjelsten

Santiago Chile Tel: 0056 2335 2217 Fax: 0056 2321 8280 E-mail: alillo@metalex.cl Web: www.metalex.cl

You will find these firms exhibiting at upcoming events

Contact: Alejandro (Alex) R. Lillo

Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

SAMPLE CATEGORIES Ageing Ovens Analytical Instruments Analytical Analysis Apparel Auto Firing Systems Automation & PLC Control Systems Bar Code Labelling Camera Detection System for Mills Casting Casting Equipment Castings Certified Reference Material Coil Storage Systems Combustion & Burners Computer Software Consumables Cranes & Hoists DC Extrusion Billet Casting Deburring Tools & Equipment Die Heaters Embossing Equipment Engineering Design Environmental Control Extrusion Equipment Extrusion Presses Extrusion Temperature Measurement Extrusion Tooling Fans, High Temperature Filters and Filter Materials Filtration Systems Foil & Strip Processing Foundry Alloys Foundry Equipment Furnaces, Billet Heating Furnaces, Heat Treatment Furnaces, High Temperature Insulation Materials Furnaces, Melting Furnaces, Melting, Dross & Scrap Furnaces, Melting, Tilting Rotary Furnaces, Open top & closed type for anodes & cathodes Induction Heating Industrial Gases Inspection Systems for Mills Lubricants Marking & Automatic Identification Materials Handling Measurement & Testing Mechanical Handling Metal Circulation Molten Metal Level Control Molten Metal Technology Non-Contact Temperature Measurement Packaging Processing Lines Production Management Systems Project Management Recycling Recycling Equipment Refractories Refractory Installation Roller Sleeves Rolling Mills Rolling Mill Automation & Process Consulting Rolling Mill Technology Rolling Technical Courses Sawing & Cutting Scrap Processing Slitting & Cut to length Lines Smelter Equipment Stockholder, Trader Service Centre Storage Systems Thermocouples Thermocouple Protection Sheaths Tool & Die Shop Transfer Belts Used Machinery

28 | RECYCLING AND SCRAP PROCESSING

www. c op p e r wor l d w i de. co m

Expert analysis of Chinese scrap usage For the international market, SMM released an excellent ‘Analysis, prospect of China’s primary, secondary market of copper, aluminium, lead in 2019’ presentation in mid-June.

China now faces significant growth in old post-consumer scrap, whilst over 90% of manufacturing copper scrap returns into the usage cycle during smelting and refining.

Some copper scrap can be re-melted by brass mills, wire rod producers and foundries.

Wire rod producers rely on domestic bare bright copper, with an average copper content over 98%. Brass bar producers rely on brass scrap, with an average copper content of some 65%. Imports account for some 60%.

Imports account for over 70% of smelted and refined copper, being No.1 copper scrap and No.2 copper scrap primarily, with a copper content over 94%. Stricter environmental standards and control over scrap imports mean over 50% of all copper scrap is estimated to go into the mills and foundries in 2019.

In 2017, some 17% of domestic copper cathode was produced from copper scrap, whilst in processing around 8-10% of copper products used scrap as raw materials. These percentages have since fallen further.

Power, home appliances and construction account for some 80% of copper scrap.

The recovery rate is relatively low at 60%.

The recycling chain from construction, auto, machinery or shipbreaking sectors is relatively simple, while waste home appliances and electronic products go through a more complicated recycling process.

Regional scrap hotspots

China’s copper scrap markets are located in the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta and Bohai Sea g area. Copper scrap is dismantled, processed and then consumed in these three regions. Copper scrap recycled across the three regions accounts for 80% of the total in China.

Zhejiang’s Taizhou and Ningbo in the Yangtze River Delta, Guangdong in the Pearl River Delta and Tianjin, Hebei and Shandong in Bohai Sea surrounding area are the top hubs.

Taizhou’s Luqiao, Hebei’s Anxin, Guangdong’s Qingyuan, Jiangsu’s Yixing and Suzhou are major copper scrap markets, with large trading and dismantling volumes.

The copper scrap markets in Guangdong, Zhejiang and Tianjin rely on imported copper scrap, while those in Shandong’s Linyi, Hebei’s Baoding and Hunan’s Miluo depend on domestic materials. China’s copper scrap industry is often concentrated in an industrial park, governed by the local government.

Examples include the Tianjin Ziya Circular Economy Area, Guangdong Qingyuan Huaqing Circular Economy Park and Hunan Miluo Tongli Circular Economy Industrial Park.

Imports of solid waste, including Category Six copper scrap, will be cut to zero by the end of 2020. Environmental authorities are likely to re-categorise some Category Six materials as renewable resources to allow

Graph of scrap copper imports since January 2018. Source: SMM

Third quarter year-on-year comparison of Chinese copper scrap imports. Source: SMM

those imports amid the ban on solid waste imports. The key question is at what grade level that re-categorisation will happen. In any event, it is clear China will strengthen supervision on the copper scrap industrial chain, and improve the recycling system for domestic scrap.

Outlook for 2020

In the first half of 2019, the physical content of China’s copper scrap imports declined 26% year-on-year, but copper content of the imports increased by 17% compared with 2018.

In the short term, SMM believes that domestic companies can establish dismantling plants in South-east Asia and import Category Six copper scrap, after dismantling Category Seven copper in scrap materials.

From 2020, the key will be determining what scrap grade is reclassified as a resource and still allowed to be imported. Once this policy is clearer in the end of 2019, Chinese investors will start to look at establishing facilities oversees to upgrade to the required grade or blister. While these investments take place, it is likely that there will be some tightness from a lack of scrap imports in 2020.

SMM is a global portal with 500,000 registered users and some 200,000 daily visits.

SMM’s Big Data Department comprises experts with significant industry experience and consulting professionals.

An SMM China Metals Market says some 452,559 tonnes of copper scrap received the green light for import into China in the third Copper Worldwide Vol 9 No 3

quarter, according to the 9th-11th batches of approvals for restricted solid scrap imports released by the solid waste management centre of China’s Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE). The total amount of the three approvals is sufficient, and almost all of China’s scrap copper concentration areas are included. SMM expects the approval for restricted copper scrap imports in the second half of the year highly likely to be released quarterly by region.

The latest approval involved only Category Six copper, as China banned the import of Category Seven copper scrap from the start of the year and re-categorised the Category Six materials from a non-limited import category into restricted imports from 1 July. SMM learned that the approved volume this time was basically the same as the imports of Category Six copper scrap in the third quarter of 2018.

Standards for approval were based on the actual imports of Category Six copper scrap in the third quarter of the previous year, as well as capacity, production of the importers. This means that Category Seven scrap accounts for the decline in imports compared with last year.

However, the volume of approvals has exceeded the total imports of Category Six and Category Seven in the third quarter of 2018.

Major processors and smelters are unlikely to receive significant impact due to stable approved amounts in the third quarter for major importers. www.smm.com