Metso has received a contract from Canadian company First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for the delivery of minerals processing equipment to the Kansanshi copper mine S3 expansion in Zambia.

Under the contract, which is valued at more than €20m ($21.78m), Metso will supply equipment such as apron feeders, mechanical flotation cells, high-intensity Concorde Cell units, HRT thickeners and a clarifyer.

Metso said that most of the separation equipment is part of its Planet Positive offering.

Metso flotation vice-president Antti Rinne said: “Kansanshi’s flotation flowsheet combines the well-proven, energy-efficient TankCell flotation cells with the new Concorde Cell, unlocking the potential for further improved flotation performance.

“Concorde Cell high-intensity, forced-air pneumatic flotation cells allow operations to enhance fine and ultrafine particle selectivity.”

Located near Solwezi in Zambia's North-Western Province, Kansanshi is reputed to be one of the world’s largest copper mines.

FQM is working on an expansion that includes a stand-alone processing plant to increase copper production at the mine.

In May 2023, First Quantum Minerals’ board of directors sanctioned the $1.25bn S3 expansion at the Kansanshi copper-gold mine and the $100m Enterprise nickel project, both located in Zambia.

Upon completion of the expansion, First Quantum Minerals expects the copper production from the Kansanshi mine to be nearly 250,000 tonnes per annum on average for the remaining operational life of the mine to 2044.