Metso Introduces Integrated Copper Electrowinning Plant

Feb 13, 2025 - 6 months ago

Metso is introducing the integrated Copper Electrowinning (CuEW) Plant to ensure safety and operational sustainability for high-purity copper cathode production.

The pre-engineered layout accommodates a range of capacities, ensuring flexibility and scalability.

“The integrated Copper Electrowinning Plant produces high-purity cathodes and offers proven reliability and availability by leveraging modern, proven technology. Its advanced digital and automation solutions and the acid mist capture system enable production optimization in a safe manner while minimizing environmental impact,” says Lauri Palmu, Senior Product Manager, Hydrometallurgy at Metso. “When the CuEW Plant is integrated with Metso SX plants, high quality and production can be ensured.”

Leading-edge electrowinning with Metso
Electrowinning is used to recover metals from concentrated solutions by applying electricity across electrodes immersed in a concentrated electrolyte solution. It is commonly used to recover base metals such as copper, zinc, nickel, and cobalt.

Metso’s pre-engineered CuEW Plant offers seamless integration with solvent extraction technology, electrowinning machines and equipment. The plant design features an optimized and compact footprint, allowing efficient use of space. Safety is enhanced through Metso’s fully automated Outotec tankhouse products, which form the core elements of the plant. Thanks to the DoubleContact busbar system, energy consumption as well as operating and maintenance costs are reduced. Seamless machine integration minimizes the need for cathode replacement, which further optimizes operational performance.

As a one-stop shop for CuEW plant deliveries, Metso can provide all proprietary and key equipment, ensuring a streamlined and cohesive solution for cathode production. For decades, Metso has successfully delivered related equipment and processes.

Source: Metso