Metso Outotec to deliver world’s largest Premier grinding mills to Zambian copper mine
First Quantum Minerals (FQM) is currently working on expanding the mine and increasing copper production
Metso Outotec has been awarded an order to deliver two Planet Positive Premier grinding mills with a total installed power of 50MW to Kansanshi copper mine in Zambia.
The order for the two large horizontal grinding mills was placed by Canadian-based First Quantum Minerals (FQM), who are currently working on the mine’s expansion including a standalone 25Mtpa processing plant that will increase copper production substantially.
“To meet the need for efficient and fast replacement of the lining systems, as well as ensuring a long wear life, the ball mill will be equipped with the Metso Outotec Megaliner and the SAG mill will be equipped with Metso Outotec metallic mill lining and a high-performance discharge system,” the company said in a statement.
In June 2022, Komatsu said it was looking to expand autonomous technology on haul trucks by 2024.
FQM’s Kansanshi mine, located near Solwezi in the North-western Province of Zambia, is already amongst the largest copper mines in the world and the largest in Africa. The grinding mills provide “advanced user-friendly operations, main bearing systems, high availability and ease of maintenance,” the firm said.
Headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, the company provides sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally.
In July 2022, Cummins and Komatsu said they were collaborating on zero-emissions mining haul trucks, while later in the month, Sandvik said it had completed testing of Cat HVO capable engines on mining and construction equipment.
