CENTINELA – WATER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM

The Centinela water transportation system project, a strategic initiative, involves the acquisition and operation of a 144km long water pipeline that transports 1,194 lps (110,678 m³/day), supplying seawater approximately 60km north from the mining site at Michilla, where Centinela’s port is located. The project also includes the construction and operation of a new pipeline 144 km long and 650 lps (56,333 m³/day) parallel to the existing pipeline to provide seawater. This strategic move will facilitate the planned expansion of the mine via the second concentrator project, also known as Nueva Centinela, which will add 144,000 tons of copper, 3,500 tons of molybdenum, and an additional 130,000 ounces of gold extraction per year.

Under a BOOT (Build-Own-Operate-Transfer) project scheme, the concession agreement establishes a “Take or Pay” structure. The project consortium comprises Almar Water Solutions and Transelec to develop and operate both pipelines, with Bonatti and Sigdo Koppers as contractors.

The first water pipeline is already in operation and the second will begin operations in 2026 following a 20-month construction process. This phase will employ around 1,500 local people. The Aguas Norte y Desarrollo (Nordes) consortium, comprised of Almar Water Services Latam and Transelec, will manage the water system operation.