Minera Zaldívar operates a heap leaching process in which the addition of acid and brine is carried out directly onto the conveyor belt during the stacking stage, without currently having a dedicated agglomeration system.​

In the current configuration, the mixing between the ore and reagents depends mainly on belt transport and transfer points, which does not ensure homogeneous wetting of the material. This variability generates instability in mineral–reagent contact conditions, affecting metallurgical efficiency and reagent consumption.​

In this context, the operation requires an intermediate technological solution that improves reagent application homogeneity, without modifying major infrastructure or affecting operational continuity.​

Existing operating conditions:​

• Total belt length: 2.2 km​
• Available section for homogenization: 600 m​
• Belt width: 48 inches (~1,220 mm)​
• Belt speed: 3 m/s​

The problem arises during the ore stacking stage, specifically along the section between the reagent addition point (acid and brine) and the conveyor head, over a distance of approximately 600 m.​

Under current operating conditions, the residence time and available mixing mechanisms on the conveyor belt are insufficient to achieve adequate homogenization of reagents with the ore.​

• Non-uniform distribution of acid and brine on the ore.​
• Heterogeneous contact between reagents and mineral particles​
• Decreased metallurgical recovery​
• Greater variability in leaching kinetics​
• Risk of preferential channeling and poor heap percolation​
• Inefficient reagent use and potential increase in specific consumption​

Currently, there is no specific solution implemented for this challenge. The process design considers the incorporation of an agglomeration drum starting in 2028; in the meantime, the operation runs under a transitional condition that requires an intermediate technological solution.​​

Implement a temporary technological solution that improves the homogeneity of acid and brine application and distribution within the ore during the stacking stage, without incorporating an agglomeration drum, compatible with the conveyor belt and transfer points, and without affecting operational continuity or performance. This solution will serve as an intermediate measure until the planned agglomeration drum comes into operation.​

Companies, startups, institutes, universities, research centers, and other legally established entities in accordance with the laws of their country of origin are eligible to apply. Natural persons (individual applicants) are excluded from this call.​

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We extend this invitation to foster collaboration and leverage technological and/or business capabilities among companies, entrepreneurs, and other entities. For teams or consortia, the lead institution must be clearly identified in the application.​

Consulting services, advisory services, and engineering studies​

The proposed solution must meet the following requirements:​

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• Compatibility with the conveying system: Must be compatible with a conveyor belt with the characteristics described above and be installable along the available 600 m section and/or at transfer points, without major structural modifications.​

• Implementation without prolonged shutdowns: Installation and commissioning must be carried out with minimal operational intervention, avoiding extended shutdowns or significant losses in operational continuity.​

• Operational control and adjustability: Must allow adjustment of flow rate, application pattern, and operating parameters based on process conditions, particle size distribution, and feed rates.​

• Maintainability and availability: Must have limited maintenance requirements, safe access to components, and high availability.​

• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): The solution must have a TRL ≥ 7, validated in an industrial or mining environment, demonstrating operational performance and short-term implementation readiness, without requiring experimental developments or extensive pilot testing that would disrupt operations​