Over 4,000 employees are working simultaneously across Caleta Viuda, Tocopilla, and the other project sites, to meet the schedule established, while maintaining the company’s strict safety and environmental standards front and center.

Tasked with the crucial job of transforming seawater into high-quality desalinated water and pumping it in the quality and quantity required through 160 kilometers of pipelines, the Desalination Plant lies at the heart of the Northern District Desalinated Water Supply Project (SADDN). Thanks to three pumping stations powered by the electric transmission system, the plant will deliver an impressive 840 liters of water per second to three major mines: Radomiro Tomic, Chuquicamata, and Ministro Hales. “After a year, we’re pleased to say the first stage of the project has been a success, and we’re delighted with the results,” said Roberto Díaz, Sr. Construction Manager. He added: “Our key priorities during construction have been, alongside worker safety, protecting the environment and closely monitoring archaeological sites.”

To push ahead with the construction of the Plant and Marine Works, a large number of workers have been hired and are now living in the camp next to the Desalination Plant site, which was built by Techint Engineering & Construction.

“Our robust performance in this complex EPC contract is a testament to Techint E&C’s high local and international standards. The sense of belonging and professionalism within our team has been crucial in overcoming challenges. The people of northern Chile, especially in Tocopilla, really share the Group's resilience and 'passion for doing',” stated Sebastian Lara, Industrial Field Engineer (PJ).

Great advances

As for the Marine Works, excavation for the bilge, located on the coastal edge, is currently underway after carefully planned blasting. Soon, the team will begin pouring concrete. Another major milestone on the horizon is the underwater blasting, which will create the trench for the underwater emissary pipes, essential for bringing water into the system and returning brine back to the sea.

Meanwhile, the civil works at the Desalination Plant are nearing completion and progress is being made to set up the first pieces of equipment, including multimedia filters and two of the four reverse osmosis trains. At the same time, the electricity room and the control building of the Plant are making steady progress.

“Our biggest challenge is coordinating the work happening simultaneously at the Desalination Plant and the Marine Works, all at kilometer 14,” explained Martina Smocovich, Construction Coordinator. She emphasized that they are working closely with the Safety and Environment team, ensuring everything progresses smoothly as a united front to minimize any potential issues.

In fact, the project displays a high level of professionalism. As Martina put it: “We’re a great team. There’s seamless coordination between Safety, Environment, Quality, and Operations, and we’re working closely with the Technical and Engineering Office. They’re always ready to provide us with the tools we need to keep everything running smoothly.”

Ensuring worker safety

According to experts, the most critical risks involve suspended load maneuvers and man-machine interaction. That’s why each area carefully plans activities on a daily basis, analyzing and managing risks, conducting operational inspections, and utilizing all the prevention tools available within the company.

Alejandro Vaieretti, Project QHSE Manager, explained that the next safety challenges will focus on managing the assembly, pre-commissioning, and commissioning phases of the Desalination Plant, as well as overseeing the dock construction and Marine Works excavations.

“Regarding safety at the Marine Works, we currently have divers drilling in preparation for blasting, working at around 28 meters deep, down on the seabed. Our priority is adhering to the Environmental Qualification Resolution while safeguarding the health and safety of our team,” said Vaieretti. He described the project as “a great challenge where it’s no less than our duty to showcase our company’s expertise, culture, and values, and instill them in our subcontractors.”