Penspen, a global provider of engineering and project management services to the energy industry, has been awarded a nine-month contract extension by Antofagasta Minerals to provide pipeline integrity management systems (PIMS) for Minera Los Pelambres copper mine, the fifth largest in the world.
Penspen was first employed to work on the project – located at 3,600 m above sea level in the Andes and 200 km north of Santiago de Chile – in 2010, when it conducted a gap analysis. Two years later, it developed a PIMS, corrosion management system, risk assessment and risk based inspection (RBI) and began providing specialist training for operations and maintenance staff at the mine. In 2014, Penspen implemented its PIMS and corrosion management system. It also introduced emergency plans, technical notes, a RBI update and provided in-line inspection support.
With this latest contract extension, Penspen will continue with the implementation of the PIMS and will provide additional technical assistance.
The work undertaken by Penspen will minimise the probability and consequences of failure to the 320 km pipeline, which transports fluids from the mine.
Penspen’s Carl Mook, EVP Americas, said: “This contract extension win marks the continuation of a great partnership between Antofagasta Minerals and Penspen.
This is a really interesting project due to its mountain location and the different geological and technical challenges that may arise. I am delighted that Penspen can both continue to support the project with our PIMS, and provide staff at the mine with the requisite training to ensure the continued health and longevity of the pipelines.”
Ignacio Rivera, Penspen’s General Manager Asset Integrity, Chile, added: “I am immensely proud of the work which Penspen’s mining team has undertaken. It is because of their exceptional work ethic and dedication that we have secured this extension to the contract.”
Minera Los Pelambres was the first mining-related venture for Penspen, but the company has since undertaken a number of mining projects across Chile and Peru, as more businesses realise the potential of using pipelines to transport minerals and associated products.
Penspen has been providing engineering, project management, asset management and integrity services to the oil and gas industry worldwide for over 60 years. Originally founded in the UK in 1954 as Spencer & Partners, the company has now grown to include over 1,000 engineers with major offices in London, Aberdeen, Houston, Abu Dhabi, and Bangkok.
During its history, Penspen has undertaken over 10,000 projects, addressing a wide range of challenges from the economic evaluation of pipelines to complex integrated facilities design.
