Metso Minerals will supply grinding equipment to Worsley Alumina in Western Australia. The start-up for the equipment is during the first half of 2011. The value of the order is approximately EUR 5 million. The order is included in Metso’s second quarter order backlog.
The order comprises one rod mill of 14’ in diameter and 20’ in length, one ball mill of 14’ in diameter 23.5 in length. The grinding mills are an integral part of Worsley Alumina’s Efficiency and Growth expansion project. The project will increase annual capacity of the Worsley refinery from 3.5 to 4.6 million tonnes per annum. At the refinery, alumina is extracted from bauxite. The refined alumina is transported by rail to port in Bunbury, where it is loaded for export.
Worsley Alumina is a joint venture partnership between BHP Billiton (86%), Japan Alumina Associates (Australia) (10%) and Sojitz Alumina (4%).