:: Outokumpu's Advanced HydroCopper Technology for bcMetals' Red Chris Copper and Gold Project in Canada

Outokumpu Technology and bcMetals Corporation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding for building an integrated copper production facility including a HydroCopper plant in Red Chris, British Columbia, Canada.

The new plant will be designed to produce 50 000 tonnes of copper annually. The HydroCopper process is Outokumpu's new advanced technology to produce manufactured commercial copper directly from copper concentrate at the mine site.

Based on the success of the preliminary testing the parties have agreed on a comprehensive bench pilot test campaign to be carried out with bcMetals' material at Outokumpu's research facilities in Pori, Finland, during the next half a year.