Mining

Metso, Atlantic Copper and Aurubis host the 16th International Flash Smelting Congress

Metso and the renowned copper producers Atlantic Copper and Aurubis are together hosting the 16th International Flash Smelting Congress (IFSC). The event takes place in Bulgaria and Spain on October 1-7, 2023. The themes of the congress include general trends in innovation and continuous improvement based on digitalization, the circular economy and the energy transition. The 120 guests, representing the more than 20 Metso’s Outotec Flash Smelting license holders from all continents, and Metso experts will also get a chance to visit Aurubis in Pirdop, Bulgaria, and Atlantic Copper in Huelva, Spain.

“The IFSC provides a unique platform to meet with industry colleagues from around the world and discuss the latest trends and developments in copper smelting. We are excited to host this event together with Aurubis and Atlantic Copper and are extremely happy to see the tremendous interest the congress has generated,” says Piia Karhu, President of Metso’s Metals business area.

“It is a true honor to welcome the world’s most renowned experts in the field to Sofia and to the Aurubis plant in Pirdop. Our relationship dates back decades. In the Bulgarian plant, the first flash smelting technologies were implemented already some 40 years ago,” said Heiko Arnold, Aurubis COO Custom Smelting & Products. “Summits like this give us a welcome opportunity to discuss the trends for producing the crucial raw material for all green energy and digital technologies; namely copper, Aurubis’ main product.”

According to Carlos Ortiz, Senior Vice President of Atlantic Copper, it is a privilege to welcome so many professionals from all over the world at the Atlantic Copper Smelter and Refinery in Huelva. “We are very pleased to host this congress. We all have a common goal to do things better, more responsibly and more sustainably.”

The first International Flash Smelting Congress was arranged 50 years ago, when engineers from fourteen flash smelters around the world convened in Finland to share their operating experiences.

Metso’s Outotec Flash Smelting Process is currently the most sustainable smelting method available, resulting in a high recovery of metals with low investment and operating costs. The process is part of the company’s Planet Positive offering.

Read more about the Flash Smelting Process on our website.

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