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Metso Corporation Technology Powers Florence Copper Start-Up
Taseko Mines Limited begins operations at Arizona copper project using Metso SX-EW processing technology.
www.metso.com
Taseko Mines Florence Copper aerial view of Metso SW-EW plant
Taseko Mines Limited has begun ramping up commercial operations at its Florence Copper project in Arizona, using copper solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) technology supplied by Metso Corporation.
The project reached a key milestone at the end of February 2026 with the successful production of its first copper cathodes, marking the first new greenfield copper production in the United States since 2008.
SX-EW technology for sustainable copper production
Metso supplied a modular VSF®X solvent extraction plant together with key process equipment for the electrowinning facility. The system forms the core of the hydrometallurgical process used at the Florence Copper project.
The plant has a nameplate production capacity of 85 million pounds (40,000 tonnes) of LME Grade A copper cathodes annually, helping support growing demand for copper driven by electrification, infrastructure development and energy transition technologies.
The SX-EW process is widely used in modern copper production because it enables efficient metal recovery with lower environmental impact compared to conventional smelting processes.
Expanding copper production in North America
The Florence Copper project is expected to contribute significantly to domestic copper supply in the United States while supporting more environmentally responsible mining operations.
The start of production also represents an important milestone for Metso as it expands its hydrometallurgical technology footprint in the North American market.
Florence Copper Copper cathode sheets
Local support and lifecycle services
Metso Corporation will provide long-term operational support through its service center in Mesa, Arizona, where local service and aftermarket teams will work closely with the project operators to ensure reliable plant performance.
Hydrometallurgy expertise for metal refining
Metso is a global supplier of hydrometallurgy technologies used in metal extraction and refining. Its portfolio includes solutions for:
Taseko Mines Limited has begun ramping up commercial operations at its Florence Copper project in Arizona, using copper solvent extraction and electrowinning (SX-EW) technology supplied by Metso Corporation.
The project reached a key milestone at the end of February 2026 with the successful production of its first copper cathodes, marking the first new greenfield copper production in the United States since 2008.
SX-EW technology for sustainable copper production
Metso supplied a modular VSF®X solvent extraction plant together with key process equipment for the electrowinning facility. The system forms the core of the hydrometallurgical process used at the Florence Copper project.
The plant has a nameplate production capacity of 85 million pounds (40,000 tonnes) of LME Grade A copper cathodes annually, helping support growing demand for copper driven by electrification, infrastructure development and energy transition technologies.
The SX-EW process is widely used in modern copper production because it enables efficient metal recovery with lower environmental impact compared to conventional smelting processes.
Expanding copper production in North America
The Florence Copper project is expected to contribute significantly to domestic copper supply in the United States while supporting more environmentally responsible mining operations.
The start of production also represents an important milestone for Metso as it expands its hydrometallurgical technology footprint in the North American market.
Florence Copper Copper cathode sheets
Local support and lifecycle services
Metso Corporation will provide long-term operational support through its service center in Mesa, Arizona, where local service and aftermarket teams will work closely with the project operators to ensure reliable plant performance.
Hydrometallurgy expertise for metal refining
Metso is a global supplier of hydrometallurgy technologies used in metal extraction and refining. Its portfolio includes solutions for:
- Leaching
- Solvent extraction
- Electrowinning
- Precipitation processes
These technologies support efficient and sustainable metal recovery across mining and metallurgical operations worldwide.
Edited by industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas.
www.metso.com
Edited by industrial journalist, Lekshman Ramdas.
www.metso.com
