FILTRATION & THICKENING
3D rendering of the DELKOR Thickener technology to be supplied to Codelco
High-Density Thickeners and shear thinning technology for Codelco’ s new copper tailings facility, which to give it its full name is known as the Talabre Thickened Tailings Project( Proyecto Relaves Espesados Talabre or PRET).
The supply of DELKOR equipment represents a long-term solution for the disposal of copper tailings from Codelco’ s North operations into what will be the largest thickened tailings project in the world. Currently, copper tailings from Codelco’ s Ministro Hales and Chuquicamata operations
are sent to the existing Talabre tailings dam. While the dam’ s lifespan has been extended over time through raising its perimeter walls, the dam is reaching the end of its useful life.
Projected production levels require that PRET commences operation during the first half of 2027 for the miner to continue to effectively manage and improve tailings storage, while also increasing the recovery of water and reducing emissions of particulate material.
The contract was signed in Q4 2024, with the project scope covering engineering,
supply, technical assistance on site and spares for seven 60 m diameter DELKOR High-Density Thickeners with on-ground tanks and 14 million Nm MOT( Maximum Operating Torque) drives. These are some of the highest torque thickeners ever supplied by DELKOR which are known globally for their strong dewatering capabilities. It also includes a multitude of DELKOR Shear Thinning Systems and ancillaries.
Located in the Antofagasta Region of Chile’ s El Loa province, PRET is divided into two phases. The current project comprises the first phase to treat tailings coming from Ministro Hales and Chuquicamata, while the second phase will involve supply of further equipment catering to the additional management of tailings from Codelco’ s Radomiro Tomic operations.
Dewatering of the tailings via the DELKOR Thickeners will result in a significant amount of water being reclaimed and directly reintroduced into the process, rather than being sent to a water treatment plant. Besides significantly reducing fresh water intake, the high water recovery of each thickener will allow operations to continue at all Codelco North operations. These operations would otherwise have faced severe challenges in ensuring the necessary water supply for their concentrator plants.
“ We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Codelco, supporting its