Metso knife gate valves enhance safety and profitability at NFCA Africa

Addressing challenging conditions

NFCA Africa Mining Plc, established in March 1998, operates as the holding company for Chambishi Copper Mine in Zambia. Located in Copperbelt Province, the mine produces copper and has an estimated annual capacity of 3.3 million tons of ore containing 60,000 tons of copper. NFCA employs between 5,000 to 10,000 employees and operates the Chambishi Main Mine, Chambishi West Mine and Chambishi South-East Mine.

In 2018 the customer was commissioning the South East Ore Body project and planning on extending the mine’s lifespan by 20 years. However, they faced a critical challenge in the plant. They needed durable valves that could operate continuously without frequent breakdowns or the need for spare parts replacement. The harsh processing conditions, typical in the region, was leading to high wear rates on their knife gate valves and equipment. Reducing downtime and maintenance costs was crucial for the customer’s business.

Slurry Valves that transformed the process

Metso worked with NFCA, and the agreed solution was that Metso supplied NFCA and the South East Ore Body project with KGV series knife gate valves, ranging from size ID 76 mm to ID 610 mm, along with spare parts. These robust valves addressed the customer’s challenge effectively. By running for extended periods without replacements, they significantly reduced downtime. Consequently, the customer saved money on spares and labor, freeing up resources for other critical plant components.

Metso’s solution also contributed to improved safety. With less downtime, the risk of injuries during maintenance stops decreased. The area around the Metso valves remained clean, as there were no slurry leaks.

Metso’s knife gate valves have proven to be more than just equipment for NFCA Africa Mining Plc. They’ve become a strategic asset, enhancing efficiency, safety and profitability. NFCA’s experience serves as a testament to the power of reliable solutions in the mining industry, once again proving that Metso is a partner for positive change.