:: Copper Refinery Modernisation in Zambia

Glencore Technology is currently commissioning one of its largest copper refinery conversion projects to date, the modernisation of Glencore’s Mufulira Copper Refinery, in Zambia.

The refinery, having a capacity of 220 KTPa of copper, was a copper starter sheet operation, and has been modernised using ISAKIDD™ proprietary technology. As part of the modernisation Glencore Technology has supplied electrode handling equipment including 3 Cathode Stripping Machines, an Anode Scrap Washing machine, and an Anode Preparation Machine. The cathode plates used at Mufulira are manufactured using Glencore Technology proprietary Duplex stainless steel. Glencore Technology personnel also assisted with the detailed design, planning, commissioning and training.

Brendan O’Rourke, Glencore Technology Senior Project Manager, said that Mufulira is now producing LME Grade A Copper. Mufulira is now the single largest user of Duplex cathode plates, which have become the benchmark in electro refining and electrowinning due to their superior mechanical strength and corrosion resistance properties. This results in better flexing performance in the cathode stripping operation, reducing the chance of permanent deformation of the cathode plate blade, resulting in longer cathode plate life.