Codelco Chile has awarded the Continuous Mining EPCM for its Andina Division to Sinclair Knight Merz (SKM). The scope of the work includes engineering studies and the implementation of an innovative system in underground mining. This is a technological breakthrough, of which a key aspect is the simultaneous and continuous automated ore extraction, in all active sites in a block, which ultimately can increase the average production rate substantially. The technology, devised by Codelco, will be tested in a complete mining block, of some 10,000 m2, expected to produce of 6 to 7 Mt in about 1.5 years.Once the development of the technology is finalised, the next step will be to apply it to the operations and possibly to other Codelco underground structural projects where SKM has previously applied its knowledge and skills.
“This breakthrough in technology will ensure that SKM will remain as leaders in the delivery of underground mining projects, acquiring additional skills and abilities that will enable us to deliver similar projects in the future,” said SKM’s Mining and Metals Manager, South America, Claudio Lesch. “This experience adds to the capabilities deployed in the development of conceptual, basic and detailed engineering, plus procurement support for Codelco’s El Teniente New Mine Level and the development of the basic engineering for the tunnels, primary crusher and material handling of the Andina Expansion 244. This also consolidates our position as a world-class service provider in underground mining,” concluded Lesch.
Codelco (Corp Nacional del Cobre de Chile) is the largest copper producer worldwide and it also owns about 10% of the world reserves of copper. Codelco owns assets worth more than $16 billion. In 2011, Codelco produced 1.7 Mt of refined copper (including its stake in the El Abra deposit). This figure is the equivalent of 11% of world production. Its main commercial product is grade A copper cathode.