In 2023, BHP and Codelco signed a collaborative agreement for the first time in their history, aiming to advance the joint development of technologies to address environmental, operational, and sustainability challenges.

As part of this agreement, both companies have identified the need to find solutions to reduce particulate matter emissions during material loading and unloading processes at Codelco’s North Operations and BHP’s Spence site.

Particulate matter emissions occur continuously during material loading at the front and during unloading at the primary crusher, dumps, and stockpiles.

Increased concentration of particulate matter in the surroundings, affecting nearby areas, the environment, and operations.

• Solutions that do not directly reduce particulate matter emissions during material loading or unloading.
• Solutions with a TRL below 5, meaning they have not been validated in relevant environments.
• Consulting, advisory and engineering study solutions.

Identify technological solutions to reduce particulate matter emissions during material loading and unloading at the truck loading point, primary crusher, dumps or stockpiles, considering the material characteristics at Codelco’s North Operations and BHP’s Spence. Additionally, while not a mandatory criterion, it will be valued if these solutions can also be applied at the truck loading point to reduce emissions generated by material on the truck hopper during transport.

• A solution with a maturity level equal to or greater than TRL 5 is required, i.e., a solution validated in a relevant environment, beyond laboratory testing. The initiative also encourages solutions from industries beyond mining and actively promotes technology transfer.
• The solution must make efficient use of strategic resources, such as water and energy.
• The solution must ensure that it does not present any risk for people, equipment or the environment.
• The solution must not alter or interfere with the production process.
• The solution must demonstrate proven efficiency in reducing particulate matter.
• It is desirable for the technological solution to be autonomous, operating without human intervention, and versatile, demonstrating robustness and adaptability to the diverse conditions typical of mining operations (heavy-duty operation, wind, vibrations, or other environmental factors).