Metso has signed a major agreement with Southern Peru Copper Corporation, one of the largest copper producers in the world, for the supply of copper Solvent Extraction and Electrowinning (SX-EW) technology to the company’s Tia Maria project in Cocachacra, Province of Islay, Arequipa, Peru. The new plant will produce 120,000 tons of high-purity (LME grade A) copper cathodes per year. The order value of EUR 100 million has been booked in the Minerals segment’s 2026 first-quarter order intake.
Credit: Metso
Metso’s delivery consists of VSF® solvent extraction and electrowinning plants, including Dual Media Filters, a robotic cathode stripping machine, and acid mist capture system to minimize environmental impact. Metso has already completed basic engineering for this project. Site advisory services and commissioning and start-up spare parts are also included in Metso’s scope.
“We are excited to continue working with the Tia Maria team on this important project catering for the increasing demand of copper. Our highly experienced teams will assist in this project, and comprehensive support will be provided through our local service network,” says Eduardo Nilo, President, South America, Metso.
Leading-edge copper refining solutions
Metso’s comprehensive solvent extraction and electrowinning technologies enable a streamlined and cohesive solution for copper cathode production. VSF solvent extraction and electrowinning plants feature proven sustainable technologies, enabling lower lifetime costs, high-efficiency and reliable performance.
Since the 1990s, Metso has successfully delivered more than 30 solvent extraction plants and 20 electrowinning plants to copper industry customers worldwide.
Read more about solvent extraction and electrowinning technologies on our website.