The operation
Non-desalinated saltwater supply
SIAM I
Our Operation
Aguas Esperanza acquired the SIAM I Saltwater Pumping System, which has been supplying water to Minera Antucoya and Centinela -of Antofagasta Minerals- for 15 years, to take over its operation and maintenance under a BOOT (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer) agreement for the next 18 years.
With a 36” and 38” pipe and a length of 144 km, it supplies approximately 1200 l/s of water collected in the area of Michilla, where the port of Centinela is located.
SIAM II
The new aqueduct
The new pipeline, under development in the same length and in parallel to the existing system, will supply 652 l/s of non-desalinated saltwater to the Nueva Centinela project at the end of the first semester of 2026. This project will support our client’s planed expansion of 144,000 tons of copper, 3500 tons of molybdenum and 130,000 additional ounces of gold extraction per year.
Sustainability
We manage the concept of Sustainability responsibly, complying with current regulations, reducing environmental risks and continuously improving our management system through corrective actions and audits.
Environment
We are committed to leading our operation’s environmental care, managing indicators that ensure the fulfilment of our Sustainability performance goals. We seek to reduce our carbon and water footprints, promoting the use of saltwater for mining processes in areas with a shortage of water resources.
The project assessed the territory that the operation would cover, establishing specific areas for the mitigation of environmental impacts. The main initiatives include:
- Protection of the garuma seagull and the creaky tern.
- Restriction of activities during the bird nesting season (September-February).
- Archeological and paleontological monitoring and plan in the construction phase.
- Atmospheric emissions control through humidification, especially of RO plant brine, at the work fronts during the construction phase.
- Protection measures for Eulychnia iquiquensis (cactus) in high sectors of ravines.
Communities
We promote relationships of respect and collaboration with local communities, supporting their social and economic development when necessary and respecting indigenous rights and cultures.
We understand the territorial relevance of northern Chile, where continental water is scarce and towns are constantly growing, focusing on sustainable solutions for this important area of our country.
A fundamental part of the work of Aguas Esperanza is assessing our operation’s impact on the environment. For this reason, coordinating measures that support the neighboring communities of Michilla, María Elena and Sierra Gorda is a permanent commitment.