Codelco’s Desalination Plant: A Groundbreaking Journey from the Sea to the Andes

In a remarkable feat of engineering and environmental stewardship, Codelco, Chile’s state-owned mining giant, is embarking on a transformative project that will redefine the future of its operations. The construction of a state-of-the-art desalination plant in Caleta Viuda, near Tocopilla, is not only a testament to the company’s commitment to sustainable development but also a testament to the sheer scale and complexity of the undertaking.

A Visionary Approach to Water Security

When President Gabriel Boric recently visited the northern region of Chile, he made a stop at the construction site of Codelco’s desalination plant, a project that has captured the nation’s attention. The installation, designed to provide industrial water to the corporation’s operations, has reached a significant milestone, as Codelco has announced the completion of the roof structure for the building that will house the reverse osmosis process.

The President marveled at the impressive infrastructure and technology required to undertake such a monumental task, noting that the water will be pumped to an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. Imagine all the infrastructure and technology that is required to do works of this magnitude, to pump water to more than 3,000 meters in height. It is an impressive engineering feat, the President commented.

Job Creation and Sustainable Development

The desalination plant project is not only a technological marvel but also a significant driver of employment. President Boric revealed that the construction has already generated more than 4,000 jobs, and at the peak of the project, the number is expected to reach an astounding 5,600 jobs.

Codelco’s commitment to sustainable development is also a key aspect of this project. The President highlighted that by 2026, the company aims to have an 85% renewable energy matrix, which will be further increased to 100% by 2030. Additionally, Codelco is poised to surpass the production of 1.7 million tons of copper, a crucial resource for the country’s economy.

A Collaborative Approach to Sustainability

Rubén Alvarado, the Executive President of Codelco, emphasized that the desalination plant project was conceived with sustainability at its core. He explained that the project was designed to minimize environmental impact, protect the surrounding area, and engage with local communities, making them an integral part of the process and beneficiaries of the project.

A Technological Masterpiece

The desalination plant will utilize the reverse osmosis technology, with an initial capacity of 840 liters per second and the potential to expand to 1,956 liters per second. The infrastructure includes maritime works and a water pumping system that will traverse more than 160 kilometers through underground pipelines, ultimately reaching a massive industrial water reservoir the size of the National Stadium.

Alex Miquel, the General Manager of Aguas Horizonte, the consortium responsible for the construction, stated that the project commenced 19 months ago and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The Aguas Horizonte consortium, which includes Marubeni and Transelec as shareholders, was awarded the project under the BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) model, meaning they will construct, own, and operate the plant before eventually transferring it to Codelco.

Conclusion

Codelco’s desalination plant project is a remarkable feat of engineering, environmental stewardship, and job creation. By harnessing the power of the sea and transforming it into crucial industrial water, the company is not only securing its own future but also contributing to the sustainable development of the region. This ambitious undertaking serves as a shining example of how innovation and collaboration can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future.