Iran Zinc Production Company (IZPC), the project promoter, is asking bidders to prepare finance for the project on either a build-operate-transfer (BOT) basis or through a buy-back formula. The project will involve the construction of a new zinc processing plant with capacity of 100,000 tonnes a year (t/y), to be fed with ore from the neighbouring Angooran mine.

The project has been tendered a number of times before, but project sources say the client is now more realistic about market and financing conditions. It aims to bring the plant on stream in 2006. The consultant is the local Barsoo Engineering Company.

The plant itself will use direct leach technology, either with solvent extraction, electrowinning, melting and casing, or conventional purification. A contract award is expected this year.