The parties have agreed not to disclose the contract value. Typically such solutions are worth €10-20 million (US$10.5-21.5 million), depending on the scope. The order has been booked in Outotec's March 2015 quarter order intake.

Boliden is a resources company with operations in the Nordic countries and Ireland, and is currently investing in a capacity increase at the Odda zinc plant from 170,000t/y to 200,000t/y of zinc. This plant, on the shore of Hardangerfjord in western Norway, is committed to very strict environmental regulations and sustainable way of operating. The plant has been using Outotec's atmospheric zinc concentrate direct leaching process since 2004 and Outotec stated that it has become a benchmark in low emissions, high metal recoveries and operational safety.

Outotec's solution comprises the direct leaching technology, basic and detailed engineering and delivery of proprietary OKTOP reactor plant units for leaching and iron precipitation as well as filters and anode handling machines. In addition, Outotec will provide extensive services starting from engineering to installation, commissioning and start-up. The deliveries will take place during 2015 and 2016.

Robin Lindahl, head of the metals, energy & water business area at Outotec, said: “We have been working closely with Boliden for decades, and we are pleased to see that our renowned zinc concentrate direct leaching process has been chosen for the expansion again after about 10 years of operation of this process.

“Our newly designed reactors will be built with most advanced materials to ensure highest possible overall equipment efficiency. We have also productised the reactor plant units, including the structures and auxiliary systems, which guarantees fast engineering and delivery time associated with good serviceability.”