RIYADH – Ma'aden has awarded Bechtel the prefeasibility study contract for its proposed copper and zinc smelter projects in Saudi Arabia. The multibillion-dollar potential projects are set to include the construction of two world-class smelters. "Our team in Saudi Arabia will bring a substantial amount of experience, both in pyro-metallurgical processes and working in Saudi Arabia and Middle East region, to this study," said Russ Barretta, Bechtel's Mining and Metals general manager for North America, Europe, and the Middle East. "We have built a strong relationship with Ma'aden Aluminium Company in the last eight years of working with them on their Ras Al Khair aluminum smelter." Bechtel's work on the studies for the copper and zinc smelter projects will be led by a team with strong experience in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. The company has 72 years experience in Saudi Arabia and is a global leader in the mining and metals industry. It has successfully delivered over 40 mining and metals projects in the Middle East region and more than 2,500 across the world. – SG
