Polymetal concludes installation of autoclave at Pox-2 construction site in Amursk
Updated : 08:26
Polymetal has concluded installation of the world's largest autoclave at its POX-2 construction site at Amur, in the Russian Far East.
The 1,100 tonne steel and titanium vessel is key in processing the double refractory ore concentrate mined at the site to extract gold.
Measuring 50 metres in length and with a diameter of six metres, it was assembled by COEK Engineering in Belgium before embarking on the 25,000 kilometre journey from Antwerp to De Kastri and then onwards to Amursk at a total cost for manufacturing and logistics of nearly $27m.
"The installation of the autoclave vessel is a crucial project milestone. We accomplished it on time despite the COVID-related restrictions and complex logistics. It marks our consistent progress towards start-up in Q3 2023", said Vitaly Nesis, Group chief executive officer of Polymetal.
Capable of operating at temperatures as high as 240C and at a pressure of 45 bar, it was touted by the company as the most effective regime for treating double-refractory concentrates.