Business · Energy & Commodities · 6 hrs ago
Chile’s Collahuasi mine plans a $3.5 billion seawater supply system
Chile’s Collahuasi copper mine is building a seawater supply system in the Atacama Desert, one of the world’s driest regions.
The project will desalinate Pacific Ocean water at Puerto Patache and carry it to mine facilities in the Andes, more than 4,400 metres above sea level.
The system is estimated to cost $3.5 billion, including about $1 billion for nearly 200 kilometres of pipeline and pumping stations.
Five stations are designed to push water uphill, while the desalination plant is planned to produce 1,050 litres of fresh water per second.
The project is meant to keep the mine operating for at least 20 more years.
Construction has reached a key stage, but the project also faces a legal dispute over environmental effects.
Chile’s Collahuasi mine plans a $3.5 billion seawater system to supply its operations in the Atacama Desert.
The C20+ project will desalinate Pacific Ocean water at Puerto Patache and pump it to mine facilities more than 4,400 metres above sea level.
The system includes a pipeline about 194 kilometres long and five pumping stations.
The project is intended to allow the mine to continue operating for at least 20 more years.
The project faces a legal dispute over its environmental consequences.
- Who
- Chilean mining company Collahuasi.
- What
- It is building the C20+ seawater supply system, including desalination and a pipeline to its mine facilities.
- When
- Not stated.
- Where
- From Puerto Patache on Chile’s Pacific coast to Collahuasi’s mine facilities in the Andes, in northern Chile.
- Why
- To provide water for the mine and allow it to continue operating for at least 20 more years.
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- Project cost
- $3.5 billion
- Pipeline length
- 194 kilometres
- Desalination plant location
- Puerto Patache, Chile
- Planned production
- 1,050 litres of fresh water per second
- Pumping stations
- Five
- Intended operating extension
- At least 20 years