Copper producer seeks desalination provider for BOOT project

Chilean mining operator Codelco is calling for expressions of interest for a desalination plant to supply four of its mines in Antofagasta region.

The state-owned copper producer wants to sign a build-own-operate transfer (BOOT) agreement with a local or international company or consortium to build a 630 litres a second (54,000 m3/d) desalination plant, with potential to expand to 145,000 m3/d.

The $1.2 billion project includes marine works, a desalination plant, 160 kilometres of pipeline and pumping equipment, and electrical infrastructure.

Codelco has secured land rights and permissions for the project, which will supply four mines – Chuquicamata (above), Radomiro Tomic, Ministro Hales, and Gabriela Mistra – in Antofagasta region.