Weir Group has secured contracts worth £40m ($54m) from Codelco to provide a sustainable tailings transport solution for the Talabre tailings dam expansion project in the Atacama region of Chile.
The project aims to enhance the amalgamation of tailings streams from three significant mines, ensuring a safer and more efficient operation. It will unite tailings from the Ministro Hales, Chuquicamata and Radomiro Tomic mines, with an expected operational lifespan of 20 years.
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The tailings will be thickened to approximately 70% solid content, which will allow for the reuse of process water and improve the dam’s safety and stability.
Weir’s solution comprises GEHO positive displacement pumps and WARMAN centrifugal pumps, capable of handling the high volume and solid content of tailings from the mines.
The equipment, integrated with NEXT intelligent digital solutions, is designed to transport more than 10,000 dry tonnes per hour, using energy more efficiently compared with other available methods.
The initial contract awards, to be recorded in the second quarter of 2025, represent the largest single order for Weir’s GEHO pumps.
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By GlobalDataWeir’s commitment extends beyond equipment delivery, with local aftermarket support provided through its service centre network in the region.
Weir CEO Jon Stanton said: “We are delighted to have secured these significant contracts for our tailings management solutions, which include both our market-leading GEHO and WARMAN ranges that provide energy-efficient tailings transportation at scale.
“Our engineers have developed a differentiated solution, particularly addressing Codelco’s stringent sustainability goals for operating in the water-scarce climate and geology of the Atacama region. Our proven experience on large-scale tailings operations as well as local presence mean Codelco can come to expect the world-class service Weir is known for.”
Recently, Weir entered a global collaboration with CiDRA, including a strategic investment to fast-track the commercialisation of CiDRA’s P29 technology.
This partnership aims to offer innovative solutions that address challenges such as declining ore grades, water scarcity, carbon emissions and tailings management in the mining industry.
