The CODELCO Ventanas Division (DVEN) slag dump is a facility currently in the process of ceasing operations. This infrastructure occupies an area of approximately 16 hectares and holds about 4.5 million tons of slag. Considering the environmental context in which the dump is located, which includes the border with a protected wetland, the aim is to contribute to the ecological landscape harmonization through the incorporation of native and/or endemic plant species. This action is part of an integral approach to high standard closure that allows eliminating environmental risks and leaving a positive mining legacy, in accordance with the commitments assumed by the Corporation, such as those established by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and The Copper Mark. In this context, Ventanas Division considers the need to develop pilot tests on the slag heap body, in order to identify, evaluate and validate viable alternatives from a technical and economic (cost/benefit) point of view, which can be implemented on a larger scale. These tests will make it possible to verify their effectiveness in real field conditions before their definitive implementation.

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

Consulting, advisory and engineering services.

Identify solutions or technological developments nature-based that allow for an in situ closing of the slag dump, complying with high standards of safety and environmental protection, without compromising the physical or chemical stability of the facility. The closure must also be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding ecological landscape through the use of native and/or endemic plant species, considering that the site is adjacent to a protected wetland.

The proposed solutions must meet the following conditions:

• Disposition to execute pilot test: The initiative should contemplate its validation through a pilot test in the field, in real conditions on the slag dump.
• Scalability capacity: It must be demonstrated that the solution has the potential to be implemented on a larger scale, both technically and operationally.
• Direct applicability on the existing slag dump: The proposal must be applicable in situ, without requiring removal or relocation of the deposited material.
• Preservation of the slag dump stability: The solution must not alter the physical or chemical stability of the slag dump, safeguarding its structural and environmental integrity.
• Contribution to the harmonization of the ecological landscape: The proposal must favor the integration of the site to the natural environment, through the use of nature-based solutions, favoring the establishment of native and/or endemic plant species.