Once the primary leaching stage in the heaps is completed, the ore (gravel) is reclaimed using a bucket-wheel excavator and transported by conveyor belts to the dumps. However, when this method is not feasible, the spent ore must be removed, hauled, and deposited in dumps using large haul trucks, which generate compacted layers that hinder proper irrigation. Secondary leaching is then carried out in these spent ore dumps, from which the intermediate leach solution (ILS) is recovered. The compaction caused by haul truck traffic reduces the material’s permeability, limiting the percolation of the leaching solution and ultimately lowering copper recovery efficiency.

Currently, approximately 40 to 50 hectares are permanently affected by compaction in areas trafficked by haul trucks over spent ore.

The compaction generated by haul truck traffic hinders efficient irrigation across the dumps, leading to a loss of productive capacity. The reduced permeability limits leaching solution percolation, thereby decreasing the effectiveness of secondary leaching and copper recovery

The issue has not yet been fully resolved; however, tests have been conducted, including:

• Mechanical land preparation methods (drilling, blasting, ripping, and trenching)
• Automated irrigation systems with both buried and surface drippers.

Consulting services, advisory activities, and engineering studies are excluded.

Identify innovative solutions to enhance irrigation in compacted spent ore areas formed by haul truck deposition, with the goal of increasing copper recovery efficiency from secondary leaching at Codelco’s Radomiro Tomic Division. Proposed solutions may be chemical, mechano-chemical, or alternative approaches.

1. The solution must be applicable to leach/spent ore heaps with heights of up to 120 meters.

2. The solution must be capable of operating in energy-autonomous conditions, without reliance on an external electrical power supply.

3. The solution/technology must be resistant to, or compatible with, acidic solutions and the presence of chloride ions, under the following conditions: [H₂SO₄] = 20 g/L, [Cl⁻] = 7–16 g/L.

4. The solution must ensure safety for personnel who may pass near or over the heap.

5. The solution must not compromise the structural stability of the heap

Companies, startups, institutes, research centers, or other legally constituted entities, in accordance with the current legislation of their country of origin. Individuals are excluded from this call. We extend this invitation to promote collaboration and complement technological and/or business capabilities among companies, startups, or other entities. For teams and consortia, the responsible institution must be clearly identified in the submission.