Outotec to perform HydroCopper® process tests for Zangezur

OUTOTEC OYJ PRESS RELEASE, APRIL 29, 2008 AT 9.30 AM

 

Outotec has agreed with Zangezur Copper-Molybdenum Combine CJSC upon continuous test runs to be performed with Zangezur's concentrate at Outotec's HydroCopper® demonstration plant in Pori, Finland.

Zangezur is planning to build a HydroCopper® plant producing 27,000 tonnes of copper annually at Zangezur mine in Kajaran, Republic of Armenia. Outotec has made successful batch leaching tests with Zangezur copper concentrate. The following step, continuous test runs with Zangezur concentrate, will be performed in Outotec's HydroCopper® demonstration plant in Pori during the second half of 2008. The companies have also signed Heads of Agreement for the basic engineering and implementation of a HydroCopper® plant in Armenia.

Outotec's HydroCopper® technology is a result of extensive research and development work carried out at Outotec's research facilities in Finland. HydroCopper® is an advanced process, which produces copper semi-products directly from copper concentrate at the mine site.

"This is an important step in the commercializing of our HydroCopper® process. We have concluded the pre-engineering phase of the first HydroCopper® plant for Mongolian Erdenet Mining Corporation and the negotiations for the plant implementation continue. This new Armenian project demonstrates the attractiveness of the technology for medium-sized copper production plants", explains Martti Nurmisalo of Outotec.

For further information please contact:

OUTOTEC OYJ

Martti Nurmisalo, Vice President - HydroCopper® Technology Transfer

tel. +358 20 529 2120

e-mail martti.nurmisalo(at)outotec.com

Eila Paatela, Vice President - Corporate Communications

tel. +358 20 529 2004, +358 400 817198

e-mail eila.paatela(at)outotec.com

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