Name and Location
Tsumeb sulphuric acid plant, Namibia.

Client
Dundee Precious Metals (DPM).

Project Description
The project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art sulphuric acid plant for the copper-producing Tsumeb smelter.

The project is aimed at eliminating problematic sulphur dioxide gas that is released during the copper-smelting process. The plant will capture and convert sulphur dioxide into a value-added product, sulphuric acid, which will be sold to Namibia’s uranium companies for use in their production processes.

The facility will be capable of producing between 270 000 t/y and 340 000 t/y of acid.

Value
The cost of the project has increased from $204-million to $240-million.

Duration
Construction of the facility is expected to be completed in September 2014.

Latest Developments
Concor Engineering, a subsidiary of Murray & Roberts, has been appointed to undertake structural engineering and civil works at the new sulphuric acid plant at DPM’s Tsumeb smelter.

The scope of the contract includes the erection of all structural steelwork, site fabrication of tanks, the installation of mechanical, platework and piping, as well as a portion of the civil infrastructure work.

Concor has appointed Finnish technology company Outotec as a subcontractor for the first phase of its contract, which will involve basic engineering, site preparation, final costing and detailed scheduling.

A total of 6 700 t of steelwork will be erected on site, of which 2 500 t is allocated to structural steelwork, 600 t to tankwork and the remaining 3 800 t to mechanical work, piping, platework and ducting. Site establishment has been completed and construction has started.

Concor will mobilise its South Africa-based team to the site, in Namibia, and will supplement its labour force from the local community while implementing a training programme to enable the local retention of plant construction skills.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Concor Engineering (structural engineering and civil works) and Outotec (subcontractor).

On Budget and on Time?
The increase in the cost of the project has not put it at risk and the Tsumeb sulphuric acid plant remains on track for commercial operations and acid deliveries to start in the fourth quarter of 2014, as has been agreed with the Namibian government.

Contact Details for Project Information
Dundee Precious Metals, tel +264 61385000 or fax +264 61 35001.
Concor Engineering, tel +27 11 456 1000, fax +27 11 590 5409 or email info.engineering@concor.co.za.
Outotec, tel +27 12 649 0100 or fax +27 12 649 0123.