Metso has signed a comprehensive frame agreement with Reko Diq Mining, the owner of the Reko Diq copper-gold project, which is one of the largest undeveloped copper-gold deposits in the world.
Under the agreement, Metso will deliver crushing and grinding circuits that include Superior 6089 MKIII gyratory crushers, Nordberg MP1250 cone crushers and Premier ball mills with 51-megawatt installed power, which are equipped with gearless mill drive technology and Metso’s failsafe Polymer Hydrostatic shoe bearing systems.
Reko Diq Mining has also placed orders for TankCell mechanical flotation cells, high-intensity Concorde Cell units, HRT thickeners, Vertimill and HIGmill regrind mills, mill reline equipment, concentrate filters and automation equipment, all of which are expected to be signed and booked in Metso’s minerals segment order intake later this year and 2025.
The equipment packages under the framework agreement are valued at $EU200 million ($333 million).
“We are excited to work as a strategic partner with Reko Diq Mining in this major greenfield project which will ramp up global copper production required for energy transition,” Metso president of the Minerals business area and deputy chief executive officer (CEO) Markku Teräsvasara said.
“Metso will provide Reko Diq with advanced and sustainable technology for the production of copper and gold concentrates.”
Reko Diq Mining is 50 per cent owned by Barrick Gold, 25 per cent owned by three federal state-owned enterprises, and the balance held by the Balochistan Government.
The Reko Diq project is expected to have a mine life of approximately 40 years as a truck-and-shovel open pit operation, with construction expected in two phases and providing a combined processing capacity of roughly 90 million tonnes per annum. First production is targeted for 2028.
“Reko Diq will substantially expand Barrick’s strategically significant copper and gold portfolios and benefit all its Pakistani stakeholders for generations to come,” Barrick president and CEO Mark Bristow said.
We are pleased to partner with Metso in this project where sustainable concentrate processing is one of the key drivers for plant design and operation.”
Subscribe to Australian Mining and receive the latest news on product announcements, industry developments, commodities and more.
