Sustainable zinc production expansion in Boliden Odda, Norway

Zinc is an incredibly important metal for the development of a sustainable society, and it is used e.g. in automotive, buildings and infrastructure.

Boliden is a Swedish mining and metals company focused on sustainable development. The company’s core competence lies within the fields of exploration, mining, smelting and metal recycling and it operates in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Ireland.

AFRY provided engineering and site services for the Boliden Odda zinc smelter expansion project. The expansion enables Boliden Odda to almost double zinc production and, at the same time, reduce already world-class low carbon dioxide intensity by 15 percent. The project named Green Zinc Odda will increase the annual production capacity for zinc products to 350,000 tonnes. In addition to zinc products, it will also enable the extraction of the bi-metals lead, gold, and silver. Boliden’s total investment value is EUR 700 million, and the project was completed at the end of 2024.

We are extremely proud to be Boliden’s trusted partner in this strategic project. AFRY’s mission is to support transition towards more sustainable societies and this project is perfectly aligned with that target. Our operating model where local presence and knowhow is supported by global competencies enables us to deliver world-class solutions to Boliden

Janne Tikka, Head of Mining & Metals, Process Industries Division, AFRY.

Sustainable project improves energy efficiency

AFRY’s extensive assignment includes detailed engineering, site services, and project procurement support. The services were delivered from 2022 to 2024. The value of AFRY’s assignment is not disclosed. The expansion project will improve energy efficiency, use only fossil-free electricity, and use sustainable technologies in all production phases. Most of the production facilities were expanded, and production processes were modernised by increasing digitalisation and automation. Also, Boliden’s solution for waste handling was expanded.

AFRY’s deep and long relationship with Boliden covers its operations in all mines and smelters. Our expertise within sustainability and mining & metals enables us to support and create additional value for Boliden also with this project

Andreas Johansson, Global Key Account Manager Boliden at AFRY.