Chilean magnetite iron ore major Compañía Minera del Pacífico (CMP) has chosen Diemme Filtration as a partner for the installation of a tailings filtration system at its iron pelletisation plant in the Huasco Valley. Forming part of its focus on sustainability, the dewatering technology will make it possible to store dry cake as waste and at the same time, recycle the water.

The project involves three filter presses of model GHT2500F with membrane plates, capable of treating 6,000 t of solids per day with a minimum residual moisture. The units are equipped with feeding pumps, feeders for material handling, and a double washing system (rinse and high pressure).

Compañía Minera del Pacífico, a CAP Group company, is the main producer of iron ore on the American Pacific coast. Its main operations are in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions, where it has a strong regional identity, with 98% local staff. From its mining deposits and plants, Compañía Minera del Pacífico produces different products that are exported and used as raw material to manufacture steel. Some 99% of the iron ore that Chile exports is produced by the company.

Its operations in the Huasco Valley include the pellets plant, the Guacolda II Port, the Los Colorados mine and the El Algarrobo mine, which are all located near the cities of Huasco and Vallenar. At the pellet plant, CMP is also replace the current supply of fuel with natural gas, which will allow a 44% reduction in the plant’s greenhouse gas emissions.