Executive Overview
The Centinela Water System is a strategic water infrastructure project developed to secure sustainable water supply for the Centinela Mining District, operated by Antofagasta Minerals in northern Chile.
Located in the Antofagasta Region, the system transports filtered seawater from the coast to the mine through a 144-kilometre pipeline network, reaching an altitude of approximately 2,220 metres above sea level.
The infrastructure includes two pipelines — SIAM I and SIAM II — with a combined transport capacity exceeding 167,000 m³ per day, supplying water to support mining operations while reducing reliance on continental water resources in the Atacama Desert, one of the driest regions in the world.
Developed jointly by Almar Water Solutions and Transelec, the project demonstrates the capability of both companies to structure, finance and operate complex water infrastructure for the mining sector.
Contractual & Financial Structure
The Centinela Water System was developed under a BOOT (Build–Own–Operate–Transfer) concession model, which includes the acquisition, optimisation and long-term operation of the water conveyance infrastructure.
The project is structured through a project finance framework, with total CAPEX close to USD 1.5 billion and debt financing of approximately USD 1.285 billion. The infrastructure has been recognised as a Green Finance project, reflecting its alignment with international sustainability standards.
Under this model, Almar Water Solutions and Transelec are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the system during the 16-year concession period, ensuring reliable water delivery and long-term asset performance.