CODELCO has asked Expande to prospect the local and international ecosystem to identify technological solutions that respond to the technical challenge “Low moisture dust reduction system”.

In underground mine operations, activities such as: loading, transport and unloading of ore with LHD equipment, size reduction in primary crushing and transport by belts to the subsequent crushing and comminution stages are carried out. In each of these stages particulate matter is released, affecting air quality, visibility and causing deterioration of equipment and facilities inside the mine, so it must be controlled by dust collectors and suppressors.

Currently, in the underground mine of Chuquicamata Division there is a dust collection and suppression system operating at different critical points, which keep particulate matter (PM) levels below the maximum allowed by current regulations. However, in order to control these PM emissions, a high water consumption is required producing an excessive moisture content in ore, rolled pavements and roads which affect size reduction and transport operations.

Due to all of the above, Codelco requires a search for technological solutions that reduce PM at critical points and with a minimum or, if possible, zero water consumption.

Objectives of this prospection

To identify suppliers with technological solutions that reduce the particulate matter (dust) released by the ore during loading, transport, unloading, primary crushing and belt transport in underground mine, with minimal or no water consumption.

– Minimum or no water consumption.
– Minimum human resources for its implementation, operation and maintenance.
– Minimal operational interference.
– Do not generate adverse effects in subsequent metallurgical processes.
– Do not generate instability on roads.
– Do not generate damage or environmental liabilities.
– Comply with underground mine safety standards.

Exclusions

The evaluation process will not consider:

– Solutions that consider the origin of PM in previous stages such as mine planning or blasting.
– Solutions involving changes in the design of chutes, hoppers, feeders, belts, main equipment or other facilities
of the loading-transport-crushing circuit.
– PM monitoring systems.
– Consulting or engineering studies.