Outotec provides a tailings treatment solution for LKAB in Sweden

Outotec has agreed with Luossavaara-Kiirunavaara AB (LKAB) on a delivery of technology package for thickening the tailings in the Svappavaara iron ore mine in Sweden. The contract value is some millions of Euros.

Outotec's scope of delivery includes engineering of a tailings treatment process, Outotec® Paste Thickener with related buildings, piping, electrification, instrumentation and control systems as well as installation and services for start-up and training. The new process is expected to become operational in October 2012. Outotec's paste thickening technology is applicable on both ferrous and non-ferrous metals concentrator applications as well as for example in diamond mines. Paste thickening efficiently separates water from tailings and reduces water consumption of the mine by approximately 10 percent and space requirements for tailings dams. Produced sluggish paste can also be used directly as a back fill in the mine so that tailings return to their origin.