Kvaerner secures HIsmelt project for Rio Tinto in Australia

Les Guthrie, Managing Director of Kvaerners E&C operations in Australia, said: the project reinforces Kvaerners capability in delivering total project solutions. Our appointment to the HIsmelt project further strengthens Kvaerners reputation as Australias leading process engineering company, he said.
Kvaerner is proud of its 10 year association with HIsmelt and this award reflects the high standard of work undertaken by the Group in the development and operation of the HIsmelt pilot plant together with the feasibility studies for this new plant. We now look forward to continuing this tradition of excellence as we focus our talents and energy on the commissioning date in 2004, according to Guthrie.
The project will involve up to 80 EPCM staff, and a construction workforce in excess of 300 personnel.
Upon completion, HIsmelt will produce approximately 800,000 tonnes per annum of high quality pig iron using lower grade and lower value iron ore. The plant is expected to produce quality iron at a reduced cost and with environmental performance superior to any other iron making process in world.
Kvaerner E&C Australia specialise in providing a complete range of engineering and construction services necessary to realise total project solutions from conception through to start-up and operation. Heavy process based industries serviced in Australia include non-ferrous mining and minerals; iron and steel; oil and gas; refining; petrochemicals; chemicals and pulp and paper.

ENDS

For further information:


Les Guthrie, Managing Director, Kvaerner E&C Australia: +61 3 9272 3444

Geir Arne Drangeid, Senior Vice President, Group Communications, Kvaerner ASA: +44 67 51 3036