Process technology company Metso has reported that gold and copper producer Harmony Gold Mining Company has selected it to deliver the key equipment for its Eva copper project, in Queensland, Australia.

The project is the first greenfield copper concentrator of this scale to be developed in the region in over a decade and is critical to Australia’s supply of future-facing metals.

Harmony acquired the project in 2022 and is targeting first production in 2028. The mine is expected to produce about 60 000 t/y of copper and 14 000 oz/y of gold over a 15-year mine life.

Metso says the equipment order value is about €55-million.

“We are extremely proud to have been chosen by Harmony. From initial sample testwork at our Perth Technology Centre to optimising the equipment selection, it’s been a pleasure to collaborate with Harmony on this project.

“Even more exciting is the long-term partnership to ensure successful equipment delivery and lowest total cost of ownership during operations,” says Metso Asia Pacific minerals VP Kai Rönnberg.

The equipment to be supplied to the project includes a gearless Premier semi-autogenous grinding (SAG) with 24 MW of installed power and a Premier twin pinion ball mill with 18 MW of power, both ordered with mill linings and spares.

For pebble crushing, Harmony has selected two MP800 cone crushers, which Metso says are known for their “industry-leading” performance and reliability in this arduous duty.

The Eva Copper flotation circuit will consist of 15 Metso TankCell flotation cells and a Vertimill VTM3000.

A Metso Courier 6X SL slurry analyser will provide real-time assaying of copper and other elements in the slurry.

Additionally, a Metso PSI 500i Particle Size Analyzer coupled with Metso MillSense will enable fast on-line analysis of grinding performance. 

Metso says Harmony has also selected 20 m concentrate and 65 m tailings thickeners, equipped with Metso’s Reactorwell for reduced flocculant use and improved water recovery.

Finally, a single, fully automated Metso Larox PF filter will ensure dry, consistent and homogenous concentrate product is produced. 

Most of the equipment to be supplied is part of the Metso Plus portfolio.

“In addition to the equipment delivery, Metso and Harmony have agreed a term sheet for a multi-year major goods support agreement. This will ensure smooth commissioning and ramp-up of the Eva Copper concentrator plant.

“Local service support will be delivered both on site and through Metso’s Australian service centres and spare parts facilities, ensuring fast response times and operational continuity throughout the project lifecycle,” explains Rönnberg.