Barrick Gold has chosen Metso’s Concorde Cell flotation technology for the expansion of its Lumwana copper project in Zambia’s North-Western Province. This decision builds upon Metso’s existing relationship with Barrick, as the mining giant had previously selected Metso’s TankCell technology for the project. The integration of Concorde Cell flotation cells with TankCell technology aims to optimize the project’s flowsheet, addressing the challenges posed by finely disseminated and complex ore bodies.
Concorde Cell technology is designed to enhance mineral processing by improving flotation kinetics and recovery rates for fine and ultra-fine particles. It achieves this through the generation of intense shear forces and extremely fine bubbles, which significantly boost the recovery of particles smaller than 20 microns. This technology is particularly suited to the Lumwana copper project, as it maintains consistent concentrate-grade quality, offering a low-risk, high-reward strategy for Barrick.
The financial details of the Concorde Cell equipment order have been recorded in Metso’s minerals segment for the third quarter of 2025. This follows a significant contract secured by Metso in 2024, where the company was tasked with supplying key process equipment for the Lumwana copper project. The order, valued at around €70 million, included machinery for grinding, flotation, thickening, feeding, and filtration processes. This contract was recorded in the minerals segment’s order intake for the third quarter of 2024.
The Lumwana copper mine operates as a traditional open pit using a truck and shovel method. Located approximately 100 kilometers west of Solwezi in Zambia’s Copperbelt, the mine primarily processes sulphide ore using a standard sulphide flotation plant to produce copper concentrate.
This strategic move by Barrick Gold to integrate advanced flotation technology into its Lumwana project could set a new benchmark for mineral processing in the copper industry. The adoption of Concorde Cell technology may influence other mining companies to reevaluate their processing strategies, particularly those dealing with complex ore bodies. As the mining sector continues to face challenges related to ore grade decline and increasing demand for sustainable practices, the optimization of mineral processing technologies becomes ever more critical.
Moreover, this development underscores the growing importance of partnerships between mining companies and technology providers. By leveraging innovative solutions, mining operations can enhance their efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and improve overall profitability. The Lumwana project’s expansion with Metso’s Concorde Cell technology serves as a testament to the potential benefits of such collaborations.
As the mining industry navigates the complexities of the 21st century, the integration of advanced technologies like Concorde Cell flotation cells will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future of mineral processing. This trend may accelerate the adoption of similar technologies across the sector, driving innovation and setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability.