Name of the Project
Minera Spence desalination plant.

Location
Antofagasta, in the north of Chile.

Client
Minera Spence, a wholly owned subsidiary of BHP.

Project Description
The desalination project will supply the water needed for the expansion of the Spence mine.

It involves the construction of a 1 000 ℓ/s desalination plant, a 150 km water conveyance system and a 4 000-m3-capacity storage tank at the Minera Spence mine site.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Value
The value of project is estimated at $800-million.

Duration
The facility is expected to start in the second quarter of 2020.

Latest Developments
Caitan, a 50:50 joint venture between Mitsui & Co and Técnicas de Desalinazación de Aguas, has entered into an agreement regarding desalination and conveyance services to be provided for Minera Spence.

Caitan will supply fresh water to Minera Spence for a 20-year period.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Caitan (desalination and conveyance services).

On Budget and on Time?
Not stated.

Contact Details for Project Information
BHP Billiton, tel +61 3 1300 55 47 57.