Aqualogy starts up copper mine desalination plant in Chile

Aqualogy has inaugurated the operation and maintenance of a US$ 100 million reverse osmosis desalination plant built for the Mantoverde copper mine.

The plant has a capacity to produce freshwater at 10 Ml/d for industrial use. It is located 40 km from the mining operation and 3.5 km from the town of Flamenco, coastal sector in the commune of Chañaral.

The plant frees the mine from using the freshwater from the river Copiapó which is the main water supply for residents of the Atacama region.
The Mantoverde mine is located in the III Region of Atacama (Chile), 56 km from the town of Chañaral and 900 metres above sea level.

The mine’s owner, Anglo American, is one of Chile’s major copper producers. It has five production mines in four regions of the country and a head office in Santiago.