CODELCO CHUQUICAMATA- WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT

Codelco Chuquicamata, the largest open pit mine in the world, has initiated a process to convert its open pit operation to a subway mine to improve the efficiency of its operation. This transformation of the mining process is not easy and requires significant infrastructure development and construction of the production tunnel. The plant operated by Almar Water Service Latam allows the treatment of wastewater collected by the Chuquicamata subway project camp, which can accommodate some 5,000 people.

The treatment plant consists of a roughing pretreatment system and an activated sludge biological treatment that allows the discharge of the processed water under the regulations of Supreme Decree 90. The treated water is reused for the copper production process, which enables the reuse of the processed water, contributing to the reduction of freshwater consumption for economic activity.