CODELCO MINISTRO HALES – SURFACE WATER CATCHMENT & DEEP WELLS

One of the industry’s most widely used copper mining systems is open pits to reach the copper ore in the most direct way possible; these cone-shaped structures require slope stability to ensure the strength of the massif. However, one of the conditions that put the stability of the pits at risk is the upwelling of groundwater on the slopes, which promotes the movement of material and increases the risk of spills. In this sense, Codelco Ministro Hales Division has developed infrastructure that captures and uses these surface waters. Almar Water Services Latam carries out the operation and maintenance of 33 deep wells, with an average depth of 150 meters, and also develops activities for the collection of water inside the pit with drains, channeling systems with capping and drainage, and subsequent impulsion of surface water to the surface for its use.

The monthly water recovered is equivalent to 23 Olympic swimming pools, corresponding to about 78 thousand cubic meters; all the water is used for copper ore processing and for irrigation of roads to control particulate matter.