Copper
Capabilities
Electrowinning & electrorefining
To produce LME-grade cathode copper, modern electrowinning and electrorefining refineries are essential. Our team specializes in designing these facilities and offers technological solutions to reduce production expenses.
Smelters
Today's smelting technologies must be harmonized with operational culture to promote sustainability. Our furnace technology surpasses industry norms, offering specialized operational proficiency.
Process support services
Top player in flash train design within the industry, covering aspects such as digester and piping, three-phase flow regimes, and equipment selection for vessels and pumps
Oxide copper leaching and modeling
We have the ability to tailor heap-leaching designs, heap modeling, and process enhancements to maximize copper recovery.
Electrometallurgy & solvent extraction
Our clients in both small and large-scale electrowinning and electrorefining facilities need to maximize productivity, cathode quality, and standards for safety. We help them with all. Our multidisciplinary electrometallurgy and solvent-extraction technology group has strong operating systems and design experience.
Industry challenge
High-grade copper deposits are scarce worldwide, while low-grade ore bodies are more common. The process of improving these low-grade resources is costly. Developing productive mines and concentrators requires billions of dollars in investment and many years of work.
Currently, costs are rising for both open-cast and underground mining operations. Existing mines are forced to dig deeper, resulting in less pure ore.
Furthermore, copper mines are often situated in remote areas. This necessitates transporting the concentrate to smelters, either by road, rail, or sea. This infrastructure needs to be constructed before transportation begins.
Despite these challenges, the copper mining industry has made significant progress in sustainability, particularly in developed countries. Emerging economies are also making strides in adopting modern practices that prioritize environmental concerns. The industry is increasingly eco- friendly.
After the copper product is converted to cathode, its market price is determined by global supply and demand. These factors, along with stringent government regulations for operational permits, highlight the complex challenges faced by the copper industry today.