05 · 2 3 participating in technological development a proud part of norway’s industrial history...
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PARTICIPATING IN TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
A PROUD PART OF NORWAY’S INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
05
07 06
08A PART OF KRISTIANSAND
BIG IN THE WORLD AND IN KRISTIANSAND
13
1921
22
2624
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OUR PRODUCTS
WORKPLACE
NICKEL IS A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE
EMPLOYEES AND THE PLANT
KNOWLEDGE FOR EVERYONE!
SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
GLENCORE NICKEL AROUND THE WORLD
OUR VALUES
CONT
ENT
14EFFECTIVE AND SPECIALISED PROCESS
17Geir Gulliksen,Supervisor.
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ØIVIND STENSTADMANAGING DIRECTOR GLENCORE NIKKELVERK
IN KRISTIANSAND
PART
ICIP
ATIN
G IN
TEC
HNOL
OGIC
AL D
EVEL
OPM
ENT
WITHOUT USThe leap from a polluting factory that presented health risks to its employees, to an environmentally conscious, high-technology plant, was considerable. This transition defines us in a nutshell; for better or for worse, we have been an important part of Norway’s industrial development for 100 years. The process of refining high quality nickel, copper and cobalt has always been our focus and we are currently the largest nickel refinery in the western world. Glencore Nikkelverk products are used globally by countless businesses.
Glencore Nikkelverk is a key corporate presence within its local com-munity. The company employs 500 people, as well as a number of subcontractors. In addition, we have built an extensive research and development milieu. We are proud to say that we are one of the lead-ing process industry companies, with our own strict environmental, health and safety standards – which often surpass government requirements.
For many years we have focused on playing an active and positive role in the local community, and we believe we have a joint responsibility for both people and the environment. With Glencore as owners, our commitment is strengthened – and we employ considerable resources in regard to health, education and agriculture in the developing regions in which we have operations.
The future looks both exciting and promising for our company. Our products are sought after; with global growth and increased demand, we will be able to continue our positive development. It is especially satisfying to know that we are a central participant in the continued development of the technological community in Southern Norway during a time when this region is considered one of the most dynamic areas of the country.
PARTICIPATING IN TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT
space travel would be science fiction
the mobile phonewould be a figment of the imagination
precision instrumentswould be out of reach
modern means of transportwould be a distant dream
robust everyday objectswould be deeply missed
Our pure nickelis the source of useful technology
The foundation for the Nikkelverk was created by a small group of businessmen and engineers – Jacob Børresen, Sam Eyde, Anton Grøn-ningsæter and Swede Viktor Hybinette. This was a group of bold and innovative men, who formed Kristiansand Nikkelraffineringsverk AS in 1910. Norway had a rich tradition as a manufacturer of nickel even before 1910.
In 1870, there were as many as forty mines and seven melting plants in operation. Before the turn of the century, 75% of global nickelproduction took place in Norway. One of the largest mines was Flåt mine in Evje, about 70 km north of Kris-tiansand. Nickel ore was extracted at Flåt from 1872 until 1946.
Kristiansand was, at this time, already a well established region of trade and industry due to its location on the coast, which offered convenient access to the markets outside of Norway. It was therefore natural to build a refinery here, to utilise the ore extracted at Flåt mines. The first few years went well; however, times were hard after the First World War. In addition to the
general worldwide economic recession and low nickel prices these problems were compounded by a disastrous fire.
The Canadian mining company Falconbridge Nickel Mines Ltd., had discovered large reserves of nickel ore in Sudbury, Canada. The company was looking to purchase a refinery and offered to buy the Nikkelverk. The difficult economic situa-tion and the plant’s limited access to supplies of nickel ore were the determining factors that eventually persuaded the Nikkelverk to accept the offer in 1929. Falconbridge Nikkelverk A/S was established that year. Stable supplies of ore from Canada have made the Nikkelverk’s devel-opment possible.
Production capacity has gradually been expanded to today’s annual nickel capacity of approxi- mately 92.000 tons. After a period of interest from several potential buyers, the Nikkelverk was sold to Xstrata in 2006. Xstrata was merged with Glencore in 2013, and today we operate under the name Glencore Nikkelverk.
A PROUD PART OF NORWAY’S INDUSTRIAL HISTORY
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Kristiansand has become a powerhouse for regional development and growth. The city has been revitalised by the emergence of big and exciting companies, a flourishing cultural scene and a university that raises standards in many professional contexts. It is engineering compa-nies and the process industry in particular that have made this possible. They are investing in advanced production and technology, which in turn attracts qualified people from far and near. Glencore Nikkelverk definitely has a part to play in this colourful and successful community.
Glencore is among the very best in terms of transforming human expertise and advanced technology into good jobs and local value crea-tion. In addition, the company is more than a hundred years old and has been a key factor in the city’s growth ever since it started. A lot has happened since Sam Eyde and other entrepre-neurs founded Kristiansands Nikkelraffiner-ingsverk AS as a wholly-owned Norwegian com-pany in 1910. Today, the company is part of a big global group and has found its place in the Eyde network.
Under different owners, the refinery has man-aged to remain a competitive and strategically important company in a global market. The com-pany indisputably plays a crucial role as an employer and driving force for modernity in Kristiansand. It is not uncommon for several generations of families to have worked at the nickel refinery. As an employer and taxpayer, and through its purchases from local subcontractors, the company has always meant a lot to the city’s finances and the local economy.
Glencore Nikkelverk promotes local expertise and competitiveness through its investments in research, development and innovation. The com-pany focuses on people and the environment, both in its own production and in the local com-munity. That is why the nickel refinery has made several gifts to the city, gifts that have become part of local people’s lives. Many of us have enjoyed the first days of summer among Kjell Nupen’s sculptures in Otterdalsparken or swim-ming with ‘Drømmeren’ (‘the Dreamer’) at Bystranda beach. The company donated a glock-enspiel to Kristiansand Cathedral and, in con-nection with its 100th anniversary, the refinery financed the stainless steel sculptures ‘Danseren’ (‘the Dancer’) and ‘Javel’, which adorn the area outside Kilden Performing Arts Centre. Glencore Nikkelverk thus helps to enrich the lives of Kristiansand’s inhabitants.
Although Glencore Nikkelverk is long-estab-lished, it is by no means traditional. Today, Glencore is a leading competence-based compa-ny in environmental technology, process control and process technology. The nickel refinery has made a strong contribution to Kristiansand’s good international reputation and it will definit- ely continue to do so in the future as well. As the city’s mayor, it is natural for me to share my thoughts about the excellent cooperation between the refinery and the city, and to express my pride in the company’s place in the very heart of the city, where it will remain for many years to come.
ARVID GRUNDEKJØN MAYOR OF KRISTIANSAND
A PART OF KRISTIANSAND
A PR
OUD
PART
OF
NORW
AY’S
INDU
STRI
AL H
ISTO
RY
A PA
RT O
F KR
ISTI
ANSA
ND
BIG IN THE WORLD AND IN KRISTIANSAND
Glencore is a globally-oriented industry, quoted on the stock exchange in London, Hong Kong and Johannesburg. The head office is located in Baar, Switzerland.
The corporations worldwide operations includes production, refine-ment and processing of metals and minerals, in addition to impor-tant energy and agricultural products like coal, oil, grain, sugar and cotton.
Glencore has significant joint operations within copper, coal, ferrochrome, nickel, vanadium, and zinc and is well positioned as a supplier of gold, cobalt, lead and silver along with a range of techno-logical products.
Glencore has 90 offices in 50 countries, and employs approximately 200,000 people, including subcontractors.
The company in Kristiansand has a Norwegian board of directors, Norwegian management and governing bodies in accordance with Norwegian laws. Glencore Nikkelverk has an important place in the life of Kristiansand. With around 500 employees, the nickel refinery is one of the biggest industrial employers in Southern Norway, and the economic ripple effects of the company’s activities are very important to the community in and around Kristiansand.
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BIG
IN T
HE W
ORLD
AND
IN K
RIST
IANS
AND
50COUNTRIES
200 000PEOPLE
500IN KRISTIANSANDEMPLOYEES
90OFFICES IN
GLENCORE INCLUDES:
1110
FROM
KRI
STIA
NSAN
D TO
SPA
CE
Nickel is an important component in everything from mobile phones, bridge structures and life-saving hospital equipment to wind turbines, aircraft engines and space shuttles. In other words, nickel has helped to create and shape our modern civilisation. As the market’s fourth biggest nickel manufacturer and a world-leading manufacturer of high grade nickel, the nickel works in Kristiansand have contributed to this development, and made it possible to think big and travel to places far, far away.
FROM KRISTIANSAND TO SPACE
Glencore Nikkelverk is the largest nickel refinery in the western world. The refinery exports 100% of its production output, which primarily consists of nickel, copper and cobalt. There are about 50 different types of products exported to the world market from Glencore Nikkelverk.
All products are characterised by their high quality. The purity of the metals in the finished product is amongst the highest in the world. Extensive product development has been necessary to meet custo-mer’s demands.
Precious metals, such as gold, platinum, and palladium are refined in a separate specialised plant. These products are used for various industrial purposes, including electronics and as catalysts. Sulphuric acid is produced by the gas from the roasting process and is stored in large storage tanks before being shipped by tankers to the world market.
The purest nickel in the world comes from Glencore Nikkelverk
in Kristiansand
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OUR
PROD
UCTS
PRODUCTSOUR
NickelCopperCobaltSulphuric acid
92 000 tons39 000 tons5 000 tons
115 000 tons
PRODUCTION CAPACITY:
Glencore Nikkelverk has a modern and complex processing system. Certain sections of this system have been patented. The process is refined and effi-ciency is constantly increased to improve productiv-ity. At the same time we are continuously experi-menting and developing our systems to allow an increased use of alternative raw materials which often require special treatment. Glencore Nikkelverk has the necessary technology and know-how to process these unrefined materials.
The process in Kristiansand begins by crushing the raw materials into a fine powder and transporting them to the chlorine leaching plant, where the metals within the raw materials are separated with help from the chlorine in hydrochloric acid. These are then sent to the different processing areas for purifi-cation and refining. These various areas treat gase-ous, liquid and solid materials.
The various products come from these sections and are transported to areas for finishing treatment, cut-ting and packaging, before being shipped to the world market. The Nikkelverk was the first plant in Norway to install computer-based process control. This was installed as early as 1966, and the later expansion and development of this system has played a big part in increasing the flexibility of the various processes.
• Chlorine leaching plant
• Electrolyte purification
plant
• Cobalt refining plant
• Nickel electrowinning plant
• Roaster and sulphuric acid
plant
• Copper electrowinning
plant
• Matte leaching
• Precious metals plant
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EFFE
CTIV
E AN
D SP
ECIA
LISE
D PR
OCES
S
PROCESSING AREAS
GRINDINGSTEAM
CHLORINE LEACHING
AUTOCLAVELEACHING
PRECIPITATION Fe–11PRECIPITATION
NiCO3 FILTER
CHLORINECOMPRESSORS
FILTER
FILTERSEAWATER
Ni–PURIFICATION &ELECTROWINNING
LOADING
GYPSUMPRECIPITATION
MATTE
STRIPPING
DECHLORINATION
Ni–ELECTROWINNING
CARBONCOLUMN
IONEXCHANGE
Co–ELECTROWINNING
NICKEL FOR SALE
COBALT FOR SALE
COPPER FOR SALE
NiCO3
Pb–PRECIPITATETREATMENT
NiCO3
CoCO3
Pb+Mn PRECIPITATE
STEAM
PURIFICATION
TAIL GAS
C12
CI2CI2
DECHLORINATION
DEPOSIT AREA
DEPOSIT AREA
CHLORINELEACH PLANT
THE CHLORINE LEACH PROCESS AT XSTRATA NIKKELVERK AS
Pb–PURIFICATION &TREATMENT PLANT
Co–REFINERY
ROASTING
H2SO4–PLANT
Cu–PRODUCINGPLANT
Cu–ELECTROWINNINGCu–LEACHING
COOLERAIR/02
SEA
NaOH
EFFLUENTS
EFFLUENTTREATMENT PLANT
H2SO4
ELECTROFILTER
GAS CLEANING
SO3CONVERTER
SULPHURICACID PLANT
SULPHURIC ACIDFOR SALE
SELENIUMFOR SALE
DEPOSITAREA
ROASTINGFURNACE
THE CHLORINE LEACH PROCESS AT GLENCORE NIKKELVERK
EFFECTIVE AND SPECIALISED PROCESS
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NICK
EL IS
A P
ART
OF E
VERY
DAY
LIFE
Glencore Nikkelverk’s products are marketed around the world. Nickel is found in many products: stainless steel, mechanical/transport equip-ment, electronic and chemical products. Copper is used in the production of electronic wires, cables, brass alloys and in minting coins.
Cobalt is used as a catalyst in the petroleum and chemical industries, as well as in special high-strength alloys that can handle high temperatures. This means that we actually interact with products from Glencore Nikkelverk on a daily basis, usually without being aware of it.
NICKEL IS A PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE
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WOR
KPLA
CE
EM
PLOY
EES
AND
THE
PLAN
TEMPLOYEES AND THE PLANT
WORKPLACE
WORK AREAS WITHIN THE PLANT IN FIVE SECTIONS:• Production• Maintenance• Engineering• Research and development/laboratories• Administration/management
The goal at the Nikkelverk is to increase employee competence and skills to ensure that they are capable of completing tasks and
solving problems – today and in the future
Operations at Glencore Nikkelverk require complex technological
processes which are carried out by various professions within the plant
The manufacturing process at Glencore Nikkelverk pro-gresses through complex stages and these constitute the plant’s main area of expertise. Highly-qualified engi-neers with expertise in chemistry and technology are responsible for operations and maintenance along with research and development of technical processing methods.
In addition, the plant has many qualified process opera-tors and skilled workers. The plant also has a highly competent IT and instrument technology division and a capable commercial and administrative section. It can be said that Glencore Nikkelverk, with its robust and varied professional environment, is one of the region’s leading technological companies. This position is rein-forced through ongoing management development and international exchange of knowledge, experience and ideas.
Glencore Nikkelverk is one of the world’s foremost pro-ducers of high quality products that maintains a strong focus on environmental friendliness. Our continuing development of processes and plant equipment is inno-vative in many ways. A huge amount of research and development work, alongside strict monitoring of com-plicated refining processes has led to a dramatic reduc-tion in emissions to the external environment. The com-pany is also proud of its internal environment; there are ongoing efforts to heighten safety awareness which is reflected in our excellent safety and sickness absence statistics. The plant’s occupational health and welfare service helps to create an enjoyable and safe working environment for our employees.
The plant in Kristiansand had its own doctor as early as 1937. This has now developed into a modern healthcare centre which has attracted both national and interna-tional attention. The Emergency Preparedness team (HSEL), in cooperation with the national health system and local authorities, aims to continuously improve the internal, external and local environments. Our Emer-gency Preparedness team has proved effective in a num-ber of critical situations. The company welfare organisa-tion is in fact a lot more than just health and safety procedures; employees have other benefits, for example the opportunity to lease any of 12 cottages situated on an islet called Krossholmen in Høvåg, and 4 in the moun-tains at Hovden. The company’s recreational sports teams are large, diverse and very active.
The goal at the Nikkelverk is to improve and refine emp- loyee skills for both today and the future. The company is involved in creating an active learning environment, which provides a sound foundation for personal growth, enjoyment and the opportunity for ongoing improve-ment. The plant has an indenture system and employees engaged in a variety of professions – and apprenticeships are guided by experienced professional operators. Exter-nal courses and training programs are largely used to supplement our own professional categories in order to maintain updated knowledge concerning central profes-sional areas.
KNOWLEDGE FOR EVERYONE!
The Nikkelverk has a long tradition of providing personal develop-ment opportunities for its employees. Our collective abilities are the reason why we can stand proud as one of the world’s leading nickel producers, and as a supplier of products which adhere to the highest quality and standards.
Many have started their professional careers here at the Nikkelverk in Kolsdalen, and new employees continue to join the company. Some join us with an extensive educational background, whilst others have less formal education. Through internal training and various contin-ued and post-educational programs, we do our best to satisfy our constant need for new knowledge and expertise. Education and training leads to competent and motivated employees in a diversity of professions and enhances our capability to compete in a demanding metal market.
Training and apprenticeship programs have a special place in our company. There are over thirty employees with indenture contracts and several others who are undergoing training. Our wage structure for day operators, shift operators and skilled workers is organised in such a way that it is profitable for individual workers to acquire new competence and skills.
Government statistics show that, unfortunately, some young people choose to drop out from further education in high school. Many struggle due to literacy problems.
Glencore Nikkelverk has taken the initiative, on the basis of a natio- nal model, to help employees with literacy problems. Help in reading and writing is offered alongside occupational training within the plant. The hope is to give a feeling of accomplishment and to provide the motivation to pursue further education. Glencore Nikkelverk’s training program increases the level of competency within the plant. A high level of skill in all areas of production is the company’s most important resource.
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KNOW
LEDG
E FO
R EV
ERYO
NE!
Glencore Nikkelverk is committed to the principles of sustainable development, taking into consideration social, environmental and economic factors. We adhere to leading standards of health, environ-ment, safety, energy, social responsibility and ethical guidelines, and contribute to the development of society wherever we operate. Doing this, we enhance Glencore’s standing and make it possible to attract and keep the best people and improve access to capital.
The social responsibility of the the Nikkelverk starts by taking care of our employees and their families. This is a matter of making work-places safe and showing respect for each other. Concern for our neighbours motivates us to reduce levels of smell, dust and noise. Through the remote heating system of Agder Energy Varme, surplus energy from our sulphuric acid plant delivers waterborne heat to several thousand households in Kristiansand. Furthermore, we take competence seriously, by hiring trainees and making internal train-ing a vital part of our policy.
Internationally, we work together with the University of Agder, Falcondo Foundation in the Dominican Republic and Friends of Haydom in Tanzania. Through these engagements we support internships as well as field work for students of various academic disciplines.
Together with our partners, the Nikkelverk supports projects in countries where
we are commercially engaged
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SOCI
AL R
ESPO
NSOB
OLIT
Y AN
D SU
STAI
NABL
E DE
VELO
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SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
OUR
VALU
ES
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ENTREPRENEURIALISM
SIMPLICITY
SAFETY
RESPONSIBILITY
OPENNESS
Our approach fosters the highest level of professionalism, personal ownership and entrepreneurial spirit in all our employees while never compromising on the safety and wellbeing of our people. This is important to our success and the superior returns we aim to achieve for all our stakeholders.
We aim to achieve our key deliverables as a path to industry-leading returns, while maintaining a clear
focus on excellence, quality, sustainability and continuous improvement in everything we do.
We value relationships and communication based on integrity, cooperation, transparency and mutual
benefit, with our people, our customers, our suppliers, governments and society in general.
We recognise that our work can have an impact on our society and the environment. We care profoundly about our performance in compliance, environmental protection, human rights and health and safety.
OUR VALUES
Our first priority in the workplace is to protect the health and wellbeing of all our workers. We take a proactive approach to health and safety;
our goal is continuous improvement in the prevention of occupational disease and injuries.
We want our employees to be ambassadors for our core values
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GLEN
CORE
NIC
KEL
AROU
ND T
HE W
ORLD
Araguaia
Falcondo
Kabanga
Koniambo 60kt FeNi
40kt Ni
(project)Sipilou(project)
(project)
(project)
Nikkelverk
Sudbury Operations
Nickel Rim South
Raglan
Nickel
Murrin Murrin
30kt Ni in Ore
92kt Ni39kt Cu5kt Co
29kt Ni in conc
20kt Ni in conc48kt Cu in conc
Fraser MorganAgmet
Onaping Depth
6kt Ni in conc1.5kt Ni secondary Ni
15kt Ni in FeNi
Stargate
GLENCORE NICKEL AROUND THE WORLD
2014
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GLENCORE NIKKELVERK AS Postboks 604, 4606 Kristiansand
Norway
Tel. +47 38 10 10 10E-mail: [email protected]
nikkelverk.no