The world's most climate-efficient zinc smelter is inaugurated
Rhea-AI Summary
Boliden (BDNNY) has inaugurated the world's most climate-efficient zinc smelter at Boliden Odda in Norway, marking a significant milestone in the company's largest investment project. The extensive facility upgrades will increase production capacity from 200 to 350 ktonnes, establishing it as Europe's second-largest zinc smelter.
The modernization includes new infrastructure for logistics and energy, a new roasting furnace, sulfuric acid plant, cellhouse, and improvements to the leaching, cleaning plant, and foundry. The enhanced facility will achieve 1,000 tonnes of cast zinc production per full-time employee annually, making it the world's most productive zinc smelter.
The project represents one of Norway's largest industrial investments on the mainland, continuing the 100-year legacy of zinc production in Odda. The upgraded facility will primarily serve European markets, focusing on rust protection applications across construction, automotive, and growing energy sectors, particularly wind turbines.
Positive
- Production capacity increases 75% from 200kt to 350kt
- Becomes Europe's second-largest zinc smelter
- Achieves world's highest productivity at 1,000 tonnes per employee
- Enhanced efficiency with additional metals extraction and reduced waste
- Strategic positioning for growing European market demand
Negative
- None.
100 years ago, zinc production began in Odda, supported by the development of hydropower in the region. Now a new era is beginning as the largest development step ever in the business begins. In addition to a large amount of infrastructure being built, primarily for logistics and energy, a new roasting furnace and a new sulfuric acid plant, as well as a new cellhouse, have been built. Furthermore, the leaching and cleaning plant and the foundry have been expanded and modernized.
"This is a historic day from several perspectives. We will almost double the production of the world's most climate-efficient zinc. This is zinc that will primarily be used as rust protection in a variety of European applications and thereby be part of a responsible climate transition of our common continent. At the same time, this is a flagship for Norwegian industry to be proud of for another hundred years," says Mikael Staffas, President and CEO of Boliden.
The investments will result in a production capacity equivalent to 350 ktonnes, compared to the previous 200 ktonnes. In addition, additional metals will be extracted from the raw material, which will result in less waste. Through the increase in production, Boliden Odda will establish itself as
Zinc is the world's fourth most widely used metal. The main area of application is to protect steel structures against corrosion. The construction sector, together with the automotive industry, is therefore the largest users of zinc. In addition, the energy sector is a growing consumer of zinc, as wind turbines, for example, are often located in environments exposed to corrosion. Other areas of application include fertilizer, as a large amount of agricultural land globally is zinc deficient. The addition of zinc thus contributes to higher food production.
For further information, please contact:
Klas Nilsson
Director Group Communications
+46 70 453 65 88
Klas.nilsson@boliden.com
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SOURCE Boliden
FAQ
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