On-time completion of Bechtel’s first-ever project in Iceland underscored a strong 2007 for Mining & Metals. The Fjarðaál aluminum smelter, considered among the safest and most sustainable facilities of its type, is located on Iceland’s remote east coast. The project has earned the country’s highest environmental award, the Conch, for generating minimal landfill waste and discharging no polluted water during construction.
Another large aluminum smelter is approaching completion in Oman. It boasts the longest single potline in the world, capable of producing 350,000 tonnes of aluminum per year. A key achievement of the project was an innovative program that provided training and jobs to hundreds of local workers.
Repeat work for big customers contributed significantly to M&M’s business, especially in Australia. In Queensland, work has begun on the second stage of a major alumina refinery, following our successful completion of the first stage. In New South Wales, we are working on the third upgrade of the world’s largest coal-handling facility.
In the Chilean Andes, we are increasing the production capacity at two big copper mines, including the Los Bronces copper concentrator project. In December, we entered into a multiproject alliance with metals giant Xstrata to double its copper production over the next five to seven years.
In Quebec, work is nearly complete on a pilot plant designed to treat residue materials from aluminum smelting so they can be safely disposed of or reused. The project has won awards for sustainability and environmental responsibility.
