The maneuver is a milestone for the development of water infrastructure in northern Chile.

Techint Engineering & Construction successfully completed the first horizontal directional drilling (HDD) of a 48-inch pipe in South America, as part of the Desalinated Water Supply for the Northern District (SADDN) project in northern Chile. This milestone marks a significant advance for large-scale water infrastructure in the region.

The operation consisted of crossing the Loa River, the longest in Chile, using a non-invasive methodology, executed more than 30 meters below the riverbed, protecting the natural environment and ensuring the hydraulic continuity of the system.

This crossing included a 940-meter-long HDD with a final diameter of 68 inches, requiring high standards of precision, safety, and geotechnical control. High-capacity Herrenknecht equipment was used for the operation, along with multiple stages of widening and a continuous insertion operation lasting approximately 16 hours.

“The key to achieving this milestone was teamwork, proper planning of activities, and cohesive execution among all areas involved. I am proud to have participated in such an important project for the water infrastructure of Chilean mining, which will contribute to the care of the environment and the future of the country,” said Tiago Zurita, Sr. Construction Manager of the project.

Throughout the entire operation, strict safety protocols, environmental monitoring, and operational control were implemented, in line with corporate standards and industry best practices.

This controlled crossing is a strategic infrastructure project that will strengthen water security in the Northern District, supporting the transition from mining to the use of desalinated water and reducing pressure on continental water sources.

With this achievement, Techint E&C consolidates its experience in complex infrastructure projects, reaffirming its commitment to operational excellence, sustainability, and the long-term development of mining in the region.