Metso Outotec said the plant was its first for an integrated beneficiation and pelletizing plant. The financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

"This new greenfield plant … will feature Metso Outotec's sustainable proprietary technology, such as Low NOx burners to minimize emissions in the process, as well as state-of-the-art digital solutions, including our Optimus process optimizer and a green pellet-size control system," said Jari Ålgars, President, Metals business area.

The contract includes the engineering and supply of key process equipment, as well as site supervision and commissioning services.

The company would not name the customer but noted that Metso Outotec conducted early engineering works for the plant in 2020.

While this is Metso Outotec's first recent order for a pelletising plant order in Africa, it has won four such orders from China over the past year.

Earlier this month, Metso Outotec won contracts worth €19 million (US$23 million) to deliver grinding mills to operations in Liberia and Burkina Faso owned by Mapa Group.