Metso wins major greenfield contract to supply copper refining technology to Southern Peru Copper Corporation
30 March 2026
Metso has secured a €100 million contract from Southern Peru Copper Corporation to supply solvent extraction and electrowinning technology for the Tia Maria project in Peru. The plant will produce 120,000 tonnes of high-purity copper annually. The scope includes advanced filtration, robotic systems, and environmental controls, along with engineering, advisory services, and start-up support.
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.
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.
Further information:
Timo Nivala, Head of Sales, Hydrometallurgy, Metso, tel. +358 40 739 9777, email: timo.nivala(at)metso.com
Fernando Samanez, Vice President, Minerals Sales South America, Metso, tel. +51 997 583 694, email: fernando.samanez(at)metso.com
Metso Media Desk, tel.+358 20 482 1930, email: media(at)metso.com
Metso is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. We improve our customers’ energy and water efficiency, increase their productivity, and reduce environmental risks with our product and service expertise. We are the partner for positive change.
Metso is headquartered in Espoo, Finland. At the end of 2025 Metso had close to 18,000 employees in around 50 countries, and sales in 2025 were about EUR 5.3 billion. Metso is listed on the Nasdaq Helsinki.
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