Outotec strengthens its portfolio of gold processing technologies by acquiring Biomin BIOX® bioleaching technology
31 July 2015 - 05:00PM
OUTOTEC OYJ PRESS RELEASE JULY
31, 2015 at 10.00 AM
Outotec strengthens its
portfolio of gold processing technologies by acquiring Biomin with
their BIOX® bioleaching technology
Outotec has agreed to acquire the majority of the
shares in Biomin South Africa Pty. Ltd. and certain assets from
Biomin Technologies S.A. in Switzerland. With this acquisition
Outotec gets the full intellectual property and marketing rights of
BIOX® bioleaching technology, which is a proven method for the
treatment of refractory gold ores. The parties have agreed not to
disclose the acquisition price. The acquisition in expected to be
closed in a few weeks and it will not impact Outotec's financial
guidance for 2015.
Biomin's BIOX® technology complements Outotec's
portfolio of gold processing technologies. Gold ore bodies are
becoming more complex to treat and consist of refractory ores as
the less refractory gold ores become depleted. Roughly 20% of the
world's current gold projects and a third of upcoming projects are
based on refractory ore that needs to be pre-treated before the
leaching process. There are three main pre-treatment methods for
refractory gold ores; pressure oxidation, roasting, and
bioleaching. BIOX® is proven technology for bioleaching and its
annual business volume has been some millions of euros.
"A significant challenge for gold mining companies
is to find an economically viable process to treat more complex ore
bodies. This acquisition will strengthen Outotec's position in the
refractory gold ore processing market. Combining the BIOX®
bioleaching expertise with our engineering capabilities and
proprietary equipment, such as grinding mills, reactors and
thickeners, we intend to provide gold producers complete
sustainable plants with life-cycle services", says Outotec CEO
Pertti Korhonen.
For further information please contact:
OUTOTEC
Robin Lindahl, President - Metals, Energy &
Water business area
Tel. +49 6171 9693100
Eila Paatela, Director - Corporate
Communications
Tel. +358 20 529 2004, mobile +358 400 817198
Emails: firstname.lastname@outotec.com
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Source: Outotec Oyj via Globenewswire
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