The Caribbean Desalination Association (CaribDA) announced on 14 October 2010 that it would be a sponsor of a seminar on Desalination, Innovations & Sustainable Development to be held in Antofagasta, Chile, during 29 November – 1 December 2010.
In South America, desalination market expectations are high due to growing economic development and, in particular, new industrial projects and population growth, all characterized by the scarcity of groundwater resources. This situation has made desalination a viable alternative source for new fresh water.
Antofagasta is a port at the heart of the Atacama desert, one of the driest in the world, and is the main centre for the top copper companies.
The conference will demonstrate the state of the art in design, operation and maintenance of desalination plants and will provide useful information for decision-makers, engineers, mining managers and government authorities to discuss and exchange their varied experiences.
The president of CaribDA, Manuel Pereira sees this as a positive first step to partnership with Latin American organisations and is keen to attract new members from municipalities, academia and legislators throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.
CaribDA’s director, Emilio Gabrielli, who is also the International Desalination Association’s representative for the Caribbean & Latin America, is based in Brazil and will be CaribDA’s representative at the conference. Board member Paul Choules will also attend.
· CaribDA will also hold its third Operator Training Course in February 2011. This is an annual event particularly designed for the needs of operations staff. Full details and dates will be announced soon
Details on the Chile seminar are available from: www.desalchile.cl/
Tel: +56-55-356512
Email: [email protected]