Metso Outotec will deliver two very large horizontal grinding mills to Canadian company First Quantum Minerals (FQM) for the company’s copper mine expansion in Zambia.

While Metso Outotec did not disclose the order value for the grinding mills, it said that the PremierTM grinding mills were the world’s largest.

Metso’s delivery includes two Planet Positive PremierTM grinding mills with a total installed power of 50MW. According to Metso, “to meet the need for efficient and fast replacement of the lining systems, as well as ensuring a long wear life, the ball mill will be equipped with the Metso Outotec Megaliner™ and the SAG mill will be equipped with Metso Outotec metallic mill lining and a high-performance discharge system”.

FQM’s Kansanshi mine, located near Solwezi in the north-western province of Zambia, is amongst the largest copper mines in the world and the largest in Africa.

FQM is currently working on further expansion of the mine, including a standalone 25Mtpa processing plant that will increase copper production substantially.

Metso Outotec said its grinding mills provide advanced user-friendly operations, main bearing systems, high availability and ease of maintenance.