Outokumpu Technology to deliver world's largest flotation cell, TankCell®-300, for OceanaGold, New Zealand

Outokumpu Technology has agreed the delivery of three TankCell®-300 flotation cells to OceanaGold's Macraes operation in New Zealand.  TankCell®-300, with an active capacity of over 300m3, is the largest mechanical flotation cell in the world.  The Macraes delivery will be the first such installation and represents a significant development for flotation technology in general.

Outokumpu Technology will provide the complete flotation circuit at Macraes and is responsible for the design, supply, installation and commissioning of the three cells, with completion scheduled for mid 2007.

OceanaGold's Macraes mine is New Zealand's largest producer of gold, with the annual capacity to process 6 million tonnes.  A single train configuration of 1/1/1 TankCell®-300s, combined with two existing TankCell®-150s, will replace the site's original three trains of column flotation, representing a significant reduction not only in footprint, but also in operational costs such as maintenance and spare parts.  The larger TankCell® design also offers optimized froth stability for low-grade ores, as well as ongoing savings from lower air and power consumption. 

The TankCell®-300 units at Macraes will also feature the latest field-proven and patented FloatForce(TM)mixing technologies developed by Outokumpu Technology. 

Outokumpu Technology is renowned for the performance, innovation and efficiency of its flotation technology and this contract further underlines its position as the global leader in flotation. In today's buoyant concentrates and metals marketplace, there is an ever-growing need for improvements such as increased throughput in low-grade ores, enhanced metal recoveries and operational efficiencies, and the introduction of a 300m3 cell is a long-anticipated response to this market need.

In the past ten years alone, Outokumpu Technology has installed a total of more than 1600 TankCell® units globally including the world's largest single train of flotation cells by volume, 10 x 200m3, installed in 2006 in Australia.

For further information please contact:

Outokumpu Technology, Minerals Processing
Sami Grönstrand, Global Technology Manager - Flotation
Tel. +358 (0)20 529 2722
sami.gronstrand(at)outokumputechnology.com

Outokumpu Technology Pty. Ltd.
Peter Bourke, Global Technology Manager - Flotation Process
tel. +61 8 9211 2200
peter.bourke(at)outokumputechnology.com

Outokumpu Technology Oyj
Eila Paatela, Vice President - Corporate Communications
Tel. +358 (0)20 529 2004, mobile +358 (0)400 817198
eila.paatela(at)outokumputechnology.com