Sulphuric Acid - NEWS - 2000
Updated May 6, 2005

SNC-Lavalin Wins Contract for Noranda's Altonorte Copper Smelter Upgrade
Another Jumbo Zinc Roaster from Lurgi for Asturiana de Zinc, S.A.
Monsanto, via joint venture, wins contract to expand fertilizer complex in South Africa

SNC-Lavalin Wins Contract for Noranda's Altonorte Copper Smelter Upgrade

Montreal, March 8, 2000 — SNC-Lavalin has obtained a contract from Noranda Chile S.A. for the upgrade and
modernization of the Altonorte copper smelter near Antofagasta, Chile. SNC-Lavalin will conduct the project in two
parts with engineering to begin immediately. The total investment is US $170 million.

The first part, expected to be completed by the end of 2001, consists of modifications to the concentrate treatment
system, a new continuous reactor and gas handling system, slag cleaning, one new refining furnace and acid plant
modifications. The second part, with an expected completion date of early 2003, but which date will ultimately be
dependent on attaining satisfactory commercial agreements, comprises the installation of three new copper
converters, additional refining furnaces, a new sulphuric acid plant and attendant gas handling and cleaning
equipment.

The project will double concentrate treatment capacity to 820,000 tonnes per year, and enhance the smelter’s
environmental performance. Work has commenced on site clearing, preparation and establishment of the
construction camp to start main civil installation in the third quarter of 2000.

    The engineering for the acid plant modifications (Part I) will be done by FLECK Chemical Industries Inc. (Toronto, Canada) and not
    by SNC-Lavalin.

Another Jumbo Zinc Roaster from Lurgi for Asturiana de Zinc, S.A.

January 10, 2000 — Lurgi Metallurgie GmbH, together with subsidiary Lurgi Espanola, received a contract from Spain
for the construction of a new zinc blende roasting, gas cleaning and sulfuric acid plant to be built in San Juan de Nieva
in the province of Asturias, Spain.

The new plant will process 900 t/d zinc blende concentrate to produce zinc oxides and sulfuric acid.  Project execution will
be 20 months.  This is the fourth order received by Lurgi from Asturiana de Zinc, S.A. since 1974.

Monsanto, via joint venture, wins contract to expand fertilizer complex in South Africa

January 2000 — Monsanto Enviro-Chem Systems, through its subsidiary Monsanto South Africa Pty (Ltd.), has won a
contract to expand a fertilizer complex in Richards Bay, South Africa for Indian Ocean Fertilizer (IOF).  The work is being
done by a joint venture with three other companies.  The expansion will include a new phosphoric acid plant (1,100 tons/day)
a new sulfuric acid plant (3,000 tons/day), storage and export facilities and all needed utilities.  The project will be completed
by mid-2002.