Noranda swings Chinese deal

The copper smelting technology of Noranda Copper Smelting and Refining, a unit of Noranda (TSE), will be exported to China.

The decision is the result of an agreement with the China National Nonferrous Metals Import and Export Corp. (CNIEC).

The technology will be applied at CNIEC’s Shenyang smelter in northern China. Startup is expected in early 1996. The plant will have an annual treatment capacity of 350,000 tonnes.

The new contract follows an earlier agreement to export the Noranda continuous smelting process technology to CNIEC’s Daye operations in April, 1992.

Noranda’s Horne smelter operation at Rouyn-Noranda, Que., will play an active role in the deal. In part, Horne smelter personnel will provide manpower training and startup assistance at Shenyang.