IDOM designs a water reuse solution for mining in Antofagasta
IDOM is designing strategic infrastructure in Antofagasta, Chile, aimed at treating, reusing, and commercializing wastewater for the mining industry.
The project addresses a common issue faced by many coastal cities: a treatment plant that discharges effluent into the sea via an outfall. IDOM’s solution goes one step further by transforming that flow into a resource that increases the availability of water for mining and reduces the extraction of fresh water in an environment of severe water stress.
The project is divided into four main systems:
- Connection to the existing plant, an 18,000 m³ equalization tank, and a 13 km pipeline that crosses the city and rises from sea level to mining level, with intermediate pumping stations.
- New wastewater treatment plant with a capacity of 900 l/s.
- Two independent distribution systems for mining operations, with more than 50 km of pipelines, pumping stations, and elevated delivery tanks.
- The team has applied BIM methodology to coordinate disciplines, optimize layouts, anticipate interference, and improve decision-making, enhancing the quality of the design and the overall efficiency of the system.
This project demonstrates our commitment to combining technology, innovation, and sustainability to create real impact. We achieve this by engineering solutions that support mining activities through smarter, more circular water use.
