The opening session began with greetings from Metso CEO Pekka Vauramo, followed by a keynote speech by Miguel Palacios from Atlantic Copper on metallurgical processes and circularity.
We caught Miguel directly after his presentation. Watch the video below where he describes the content of his speech as well as his extensive history and experience attending our Flash Smelting Congresses.
In the afternoon, the technical sessions began. The first session primarily focused on greenfield smelter project such as the Manyar Smelter in Indonesia. Luckily, Anand Raman and Nitin Goel were in attendance, and gave participants an exciting update on the new Manyar Smelter project, which boasts the biggest single line continuous FSF/FCF process currently under construction. The second technical session of the day covered other topics such as digitalization, diving specifically into automation, optimization and process improvements. As day turned into the night, the evening continued with a dinner at authentic Bulgarian restaurant.
The second day began with a very special site visit. Participants had the opportunity to visit Aurubis’ Pirdop Smelter, one of the largest copper smelters in Europe. Hosts Tim Kurth and Heiko Arnold were on site to welcome everybody to their newly renovated facilities and divided the attendees into smaller groups to take everybody into the heart of the operations. After a tour of the operations and presentations, guests were treated to a sightseeing tour and a dinner hosted by Aurubis Pirdop.
Technical sessions resumed, with the first primarily focusing on general smelter issues such as flash smelter survey, renovation projects, key technologies and shutdowns, Kamoa copper smelter project, among many others. The next technical session addressed the effect of insoluble materials on accretions.
This day began with another site visit, as participants had the opportunity to visit the Huelva Smelter, operated by Atlantic Copper. Hosted by Carlos Ortiz, the visit included a tour of the plant operations and smelter facilities, as well as lunch at Hostería la Rábida restaurant.
Guests were then treated to a historical tour to see the original fleet of Colombus, where it was mutually decided that none of us would have been able to make that trip in those tiny ships! The evening ended with a barbeque in the resort pool area at Barcelo Punta Umbria Beach Resort.
The technical sessions continued on Friday, with a focus on smelter improvements and technology. Juha Järvi kicked off the final day by presenting recent developments of the Boliden Harjavalta Smelter in Finland. The sessions continued throughout the morning, with more presentations from Tamano Smelter & Refinery in Japan, Saganoseki Smelter & Refinery in Japan, and the Serbia Zijin Copper Smelter in Serbia.
The last technical session belong to Metso Metals Oy, who presented an overview of our Flash Smelting technologies and new developments. The congress concluded with a closing ceremony and farewell dinner at a traditional Spanish restaurant, La Casona. During the dinner, the group celebrated the well-respected new Flash Smelting ambassador, Miguel Palacios. As Senior Vice President for Business Development from Atlantic Copper, Miguel was selected as the Flash Smelting Ambassador 2023, and was honored with a medal.
“On behalf of the whole organizing committee, we would very much like to thank all the participants for active participation and keeping the Flash Smelting family spirit high,” says Kim. “Based on the feedback this was a very much anticipated and waited event. Let’s keep the best parts of the tradition and move it forward with new generations to come.”
The 16th International Flash Smelting Congress proved to be a successful opportunity to learn from the latest developments and best practices in Flash Smelting, as well as to network with peers and industry leaders around the world. The next congress location was announced, and will be taking place in Indonesia in 2026.
For more information about the congress, please visit: Metso, Atlantic Copper and Aurubis host the 16[th] International Flash Smelting Congress - Metso
