Canada-based SNC-Lavalin has been awarded an engineering, procurement and construction contract by Rudarsko Topionicarski Basen Bor Grupa (RTB-Bor) for the modernization of its copper smelting complex in Eastern Serbia.

The CAD215m ($216m) contract, signed in June 2010, has now become fully effective, following the closing of financing for the project by Export Development Canada, arranged through SNC-Lavalin Capital.

The copper smelter upgrade will include installing a new flash furnace, sulphuric acid plant and effluent treatment plant, and upgrading the existing facility’s key process areas.

When the project is completed, the new facility will provide RTB-Bor with 80,000 tonnes of copper anode per year while reducing liquid and gaseous emission levels to European standards.

Modernization work has commenced and is scheduled to be completed by 2013.