JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Chile-based Corporación Nacional del Cobre de Chile (Codelco), one of the world’s largest copper producers, has appointed TSX-listed engineering and construction group SNC-Lavalin to construct two sulphuric acid plants at the Chuquicamata copper smelter complex, located in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile.
Codelco’s project incorporates sulphuric acid production technology by MECS, a wholly owned subsidiary of DuPont, with whom SNC-Lavalin has successfully executed projects for more than 50 years. The plants, which will produce up to 2 048 metric tonnes of market grade sulphuric acid a day, will treat off-gas from the Chuquicamata smelter.
These new plants will replace those currently in operation at the facility and are part of Codelco's ongoing environmental compliance plans.
Construction is expected to begin in early 2017 with SNC-Lavalin providing basic and detailed engineering services, procuring equipment, and constructing the acid plants through their Santiago and Toronto offices.
"Following our recent contract award for the replacement of the effluent treatment plant at the Chuquicamata copper smelter, this new contract again supports our strong position in Latin America", noted SNC-Lavalin mining and metallurgy president José J Suárez, adding that the company was proud to be part of a project that would be a key element in Codelco’s future environmental programme.
"Codelco's environmental values are closely aligned with those of SNC-Lavalin and this adds to an already excellent working relationship," he concluded.