Boliden Expands Odda Zinc Smelter Amid Increased Investment

Boliden's Strategic Expansion at Odda Smelter

Boliden is embarking on an ambitious expansion project at its Odda zinc smelter. The company's goal is to increase annual production capacity from 200 to 350 ktonnes, a move that promises substantial growth in its operations.

Current Progress and Challenges

Since commencing the investment plan in 2021, Boliden has completed several key projects that enhance the operations at the Odda facility. However, there have been notable delays, particularly affecting the roasting facility, which is crucial to achieving the new production targets. Originally, the ramp-up of production was scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2024, but it now appears that the new timeline extends to the end of the first quarter of 2025.

Cost Implications of the Delay

The delay in the expansion project will come at a cost. Boliden anticipates an additional €100 million in expenses due to these setbacks. Despite this financial hurdle, the overall investment in the Odda facility is expected to yield long-term benefits, including increased efficiency and production capacity.

Investment Breakdown for 2024 and Beyond

For the fiscal year 2024, Boliden has outlined a capital expenditure of approximately SEK 15.5 billion. Looking ahead to 2025, this figure is expected to remain significant, estimated at SEK 13.5 billion. This financial commitment underscores Boliden's confidence in the project's potential to generate returns and support growth within the burgeoning zinc market.

Enhancements at the Odda Facility

The investments at the Odda site are not limited to just capacity expansion. Boliden is also focusing on modernizing critical infrastructure, including a new roasting facility, a sulfate acid plant, and improvements to the leaching and purification systems. These additions will not only enhance production capabilities but also ensure that the facility adheres to modern environmental and operational standards.

Projected Earnings from the Expansion

Once the expansion is fully operational, this undertaking is projected to generate an annual EBITDA of approximately €150 million. This estimate aligns with Boliden's long-term pricing strategies and reflects favorable current market conditions for zinc.

Future Outlook and Engagement

In light of the ongoing developments, Boliden plans to hold a press and analyst conference to discuss these updates and address any questions surrounding the project. The conference will be hosted by Boliden's President and CEO, Mikael Staffas, alongside CFO Håkan Gabrielsson. Participants can join this session via a live webcast or through a telephone call.

Contact Information for More Details

For further inquiries about the expansion project, interested parties can reach out to Klas Nilsson, Director of Group Communications. With a wealth of experience and insights, he is available to provide detailed information on the company's strategic plans and future direction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Boliden's expansion goal for the Odda smelter?

Boliden aims to increase the annual production capacity from 200 ktonnes to 350 ktonnes.

What caused the delays in the Odda expansion project?

Delays primarily occurred due to construction issues with the roasting facility.

How much additional cost is expected due to these delays?

Boliden anticipates an additional cost of €100 million resulting from the delays.

What are Boliden's capital expenditure estimates for 2024 and 2025?

Capital expenditures are estimated at SEK 15.5 billion for 2024 and SEK 13.5 billion for 2025.

How much EBITDA is expected from the Odda investment?

The investment in Odda is projected to generate an annual EBITDA of approximately €150 million.

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