In a milestone for the decarbonisation of the industry, Codelco and Enaex have signed an agreement that will transform the Radomiro Tomic Division copper mine in Chile into the first mining operation in the world to use the explosive Prillex ECO2, whose main component, blue ammonium nitrate, has a 40% lower carbon footprint during its production compared to traditional formulas. The achievement reaffirms the commitment of both companies to leading the transition towards more sustainable mining.
“With this decision, at Codelco we set a new course in the decarbonisation of the copper industry, by becoming pioneers in using an innovative product in the explosives market, which will contribute to the fulfillment of our sustainable development commitments,” highlights Máximo Pacheco, President of the Board of Directors of Codelco, who attended a ceremony to launch the agreement at the Prillex América Plant, located in Mejillones.
“In our company we no longer have doubts: our business is at the heart of the global development model, and we are doing everything, in terms of digital transformation, innovation, collaboration with large global and national mining conglomerates, to be leaders in protection environmental. Through strategic alliances with partners like Enaex, we are convinced that we are moving in the right direction,” he adds.
“At Enaex, our purpose is to humanise mining, which implies a firm commitment to sustainability and decarbonisation, a challenge that we face by transforming the use of raw materials towards renewable energies,” comments Juan Andrés Errázuriz, CEO of Enaex. “It is a tremendous challenge and that is why we have acted urgently to minimise our impact, implementing immediate improvements and using cleaner raw materials than the industry standard.”
Blue ammonium nitrate is produced using advanced carbon capture and storage technologies, significantly reducing CO2 emissions during manufacturing. Likewise, Enaex implemented N2O (nitrous oxide) abatement systems at its Prillex América plant and self-generates more than 50% of the energy it requires using turbochargers, demonstrating that it is possible to promote more sustainable mining and industrial practices.
“This work is, without a doubt, a very important step. I would like people, beyond this act, to also be able to understand and value it, because our mining, of the Chileans, I must emphasise again, is also done with innovation. It is done by taking care of people because, ultimately, that is the challenge,” said Karen Behrens, Presidential Delegate of the Antofagasta Region at the ceremony.
The use of this strategic input represents a significant decrease in scope 3 emissions at Radomiro Tomic, which consumes close to 40% of the Corporation’s explosives. This is in line with Codelco’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint throughout the value chain, including its suppliers.
“Thanks to the successful negotiation carried out with Enaex, Codelco takes a crucial step towards the decarbonisation of our industry. Based on this agreement, we become the first mining company to use blue ammonium nitrate in the world, and it will allow us to reduce around 40% of CO2 annually from explosives, contributing significantly to the fulfillment of our commitments to sustainability,” explains Mauricio Acuña, Codelco’s Vice President of Supply, about the supply contract that is valid for five years.