The world-famous Chuquicamata copper mine in Chile has been making headlines recently with its groundbreaking underground mining operations and innovative technology.
Established in 1910, the century-old mine has been a key player in the global copper market. In 2019, the mine embarked on a new chapter with the commencement of underground mining operations to access the rich ore body beneath the existing open pit mine.
Located in northern Chile, the Chuquicamata mine is part of Codelco’s Codelco Norte division and is renowned for its massive copper reserves. With proven reserves estimated at 751 million tonnes of copper ore, the mine continues to be a major player in the industry.
Utilizing conventional open-pit mining methods, Chuquicamata employs a truck-and-shovel operation to extract and process the ore. The mine’s processing facilities include a flash smelter, converter, and electrolytic refinery, all aimed at producing high-quality copper products.
One of the most notable features of the Chuquicamata mine is its powerful conveyor belt system, which was commissioned in September 2020. This state-of-the-art technology delivers copper ore from the underground mine directly to the concentrator plant, eliminating the need for haul trucks and increasing efficiency.
The underground mining at Chuquicamata is a complex operation involving drill and blast drifting, block-caving methods, and extensive tunnel systems. With plans to deepen the mine by 787m by 2060, the underground operations are expected to significantly increase the mine’s production capacity.
Several leading companies, including ABB, Hatch, and SNC LAVALIN, have been involved in the modernization and development of the Chuquicamata mine, bringing cutting-edge technology and expertise to this historic site.
As one of the largest and most advanced copper mines in the world, Chuquicamata continues to be a pioneer in the mining industry, setting new standards for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation.
