Pöyry appointed to deliver EPCM services for concentrating plant expansion project at Kittilä gold mine

Agnico-Eagle Finland Oy has awarded Pöyry a services contract, for the expansion project for the concentrating plant and leaching process at Kittilä gold mine. The contract is for the provision of a total EPCM service and Pöyry will be responsible for project management, engineering and procurement and construction management. The project is an expansion to the existing operational mine. Pöyry also provided engineering and construction management services for the initial development of the existing concentrating plant. Locally, the project will employ around 100 people at the construction stage and 30 people in the concentrating process.

The Agnico-Eagle Kittilä mine is one of the largest known gold deposits in Europe, with a gold reserve of nearly 5 million ounces. Currently, the mine employs 400 people and 180 contractors. The Kittilä mine area contains several open pit deposits and deep-lying ore is excavated from an underground mine. The mine processes 3,000 tons of ore per day, and is expected to produce approximately 150,000 ounces of gold per year. The gold is separated from the ore by pressure leaching. The expansion will increase the production by 25 per cent.

Pöyry has extensive global experience of executing demanding projects. For the mining industry, we deliver consulting, engineering and project services, as well as ongoing operational services for the mine itself. Services include mine feasibility, environmental impact, geology and beneficiation of ore.

The value of the order is not disclosed. The order was recognised within the Industry business group's order stock in Q1/2013.