Metso to Supply Grinding System to Boliden in Sweden

Metso Minerals will supply a grinding system for a new concentrator at Boliden’s Aitik mine in Gällivare, Northern Sweden. The new concentrator, with the grinding circuit, is scheduled to start operation in 2010. The value of the equipment order is approximately 39 million (EUR).

Metso's order comprises two AG (autogenous) mills and two pebble mills, complemented by engineering, erection, and start-up services. Metso has also signed a two-year contract to maintain the grinding circuit, including spare and wear parts and tools. The AG mills of 11.58 by 13.72 m in diameter are the largest ever supplied by Metso Minerals.

The new concentrator will replace the current concentrator at Aitik. With the new concentrator, Boliden intends to expand the processing capacity of the Aitik mine from approximately 18 million to 36 million tons of ore per annum. The Aitik mine is one of Europe's largest producers of copper, and also a major producer of gold and silver.

Boliden is one of the leading mining and smelting companies in the world with operations in Sweden, Finland, Norway and Ireland. Its main products are copper, zinc, lead, gold, and silver. With the net sales of approximately 3.8 billion (EUR) in 2006, Boliden employs some 4500 people.