TAKRAF Group awarded a major contract to supply equipment for the world's largest thickened tailings project in Chile

Layout of Talabre Thickened Tailings Project (PRET) with the seven DELKOR Thickeners
Layout, from the initial request phase in 2023, of the Talabre Thickened Tailings Project (PRET) with the seven DELKOR Thickeners.

DELKOR Thickener technology provides Codelco with a safe and sustainable approach to tailings management.

In a key project award, TAKRAF Group (‘TAKRAF’) is supplying seven DELKOR High-Density Thickeners and shear thinning technology for a new copper tailings facility for the National Copper Corporation of Chile (‘Codelco’), the world’s largest copper producer. 

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 4Q 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 MNm MOT (Maximum Operating Torque) drives. These are some of the highest torque thickeners ever supplied by DELKOR who are known globally for their strong dewatering capabilities.
  • 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.
 

This is a close-up of the seven DELKOR Thickeners in the layout from the initial request phase of the Talabre Thickened Tailings Project (PRET) in 2023.

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. 

3D rendering of the DELKOR Thickener technology to be supplied to Codelco.

“We are proud to continue our strong partnership with Codelco, supporting its commitment to environmental sustainability and operational safety. Our DELKOR High-Density Thickener is particularly suited to such applications where high water recovery is required. Through efficient and reliable water and tailings management solutions, we are able to assist our clients in meeting their goals while contributing to safer and more sustainable mining practices,” states Andres Costa, Managing Director of TAKRAF Chile and Peru.

A DELKOR High-Density Thickener installed in Peru with a 60 m diameter, similar to the equipment being supplied for Talabre.

TAKRAF Group CEO Thomas Jabs adds: “This project award reaffirms TAKRAF Group’s DELKOR brand as a global front runner and expert in dewatering solutions. Our DELKOR Thickener technology, together with other DELKOR dewatering technologies, play a crucial role in enabling operations to recover and recycle water, reduce their tailings footprint, and enhance process efficiency. These solutions not only address the challenges of water scarcity in regions like Chile but also contribute to safer and more responsible operations.”

Innovation out of tradition – It pays to talk to a specialist! 

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