OREANDA-NEWS.  June 10, 2013. A supervised installation of Wemko flotation machines has commenced at fine matte separation section of Kola MMC (MMC Norilsk Nickel affiliate) refinery workshop.

The equipment is being set up by the supplier FLSmidth’s representatives. Wemko flotation units will replace the worn out and outdated FMR-10 machines.

The project will substantially lower operating costs and improve fine matte separation grades and based on expectations will add another 27 tonnes of nickel and 19 tonnes of copper to annual production bottom line.

Wemko flotation machines are technologically far more advanced than FMR-10, and provide high metal extraction, have automated slurry levels and bubbling bed depth controls, while consuming less electricity with minimum operating costs. Over 130 billion rubles has been invested in the project by Kola MMC. A total of 16 units were purchased with 4 Wemko flotation machines operated by fine matte separation section since 2004 with additional spare parts to be supplied. The 20 machines will fully cover the fine matte separation section plan for fine matte processing targets.

The commissioning is to be passed through August with subsequent inclusion in the process flow.