The advances in civil, electrical and mechanical works will be key factors during the last stage. A logistical and construction effort led by Techint Engineering and Construction that will mark a turning point in water supply for the Northern District in Chile.

In the Antofagasta region, the SADDN (Desalinated Water Supply for the Northern District) project is moving steadily towards its final stage. This is a highly complex technical and strategic project for the development of the mining sector in Latin America, and one of the most important milestones for Techint Engineering and Construction in the region.

“The effort is beginning to take shape. We are in the most satisfying stage of the project, but also the most demanding: there is no room for distractions,” says Luciano Blanco, Construction Coordinator for all pumping stations. From Pumping Station 1 (PS1), he points out that the main challenge is to meet the established deadlines: “We have a demanding schedule and resources allocated with a completion date. Time management is a must.”

Currently, PS1 is more than 80% complete, with a focus on piping and electrical work. “We are in the midst of mechanical completion, working with focus and coordination,” explains Sebastián Lara, Industrial Field Engineer. At the same time, PS2 is also progressing steadily: “We have already installed the pumps and the electrical room, and we are working on the connections to the substation and the drive pipe,” explains Leandro Ezcurra, Construction Coordinator for PS2.

One of the most notable milestones in this stage is the installation of the 48-inch pipe on the mountain ridge using a cable rail. “We are also digging trenches, covering them and laying fibre optic cables,” adds César Durán, Construction Coordinator at the headland.

Another key advance was the energisation of the coastal sector, which allows testing and commissioning of the desalination plant to begin. “It is a fundamental step for the energy supply,” explains Camilo Gómez, Construction Coordinator.

The work is progressing thanks to strong coordination between disciplines: civil works, electricity, mechanics and logistics are working in parallel, with a comprehensive approach that prioritises both technical precision and people's safety. Each advance represents another step toward the goal: supplying water to three large mines in the Northern District.

“The team is committed and knows that this effort will leave a positive mark on the community and the industry,” concludes Blanco.