In what it describes as a key advance in the direction of the decarbonisation of the mining business, Chilean copper mining main Codelco has reported on an revolutionary settlement with Magotteaux Andino SA to implement a round economic system mannequin within the provide of grinding balls.
The contract, which is legitimate for 5 years and commenced at the start of 2024, features a pilot that enables Magotteaux to fabricate new grinding ball enter with metallic waste and worn balls from the El Teniente Division, which interprets into a major discount in carbon footprint. Particularly, there shall be virtually 40,000 t/y of CO2 saved, which is equal to the emissions of roughly 8,464 automobiles pushed in a yr or 36,398 timber absorbing carbon yearly.
The mission marks a milestone for Codelco when it comes to decreasing its Scope 3 emissions, that’s, these generated by suppliers which can be a part of its worth chain. Lately, the state firm dedicated to decreasing its emissions depth related to strategic operational inputs by 25% by 2030, and this initiative with Magotteaux represents concrete progress in the direction of assembly stated purpose, making use of the round economic system in its enterprise imaginative and prescient.
Likewise, it’s the first main contract within the Company’s Provide space that adopts a closed-loop round economic system mannequin. That is because of the pilot – already operational – within the El Teniente Division, the place Magotteaux will take away between 50 and 75 t of disused worn grinding balls and metallic waste (scrap) month-to-month, revaluing them as uncooked materials to fabricate new balls. This can be a reuse scheme that reduces the prices related to waste administration for Codelco, leading to an essential financial profit.
The New Ecomax forged balls manufactured by Magotteaux – whose manufacturing generates a 53% decrease carbon footprint, in comparison with the enter beforehand used at El Teniente – not solely match the operational efficiency of conventional cast balls, however are additionally price aggressive, with the added worth of circularity and sustainable growth.
“At Codelco we’re main the best way in the direction of a extra sustainable future. This settlement positions us as a reference within the implementation of large-scale provide contracts, with a agency deal with sustainability. That is the primary contract for grinding balls that includes a 100% provide mannequin from recovered materials,” reinforces Mauricio Acuña, Vice President of Provide at Codelco.
The chief explains that, throughout 2025, the Andina Division will progressively incorporate this round provide mannequin, with a carbon footprint discount potential just like the case of El Teniente. If profitable, the system might be expanded to different work centres of the Company.
“At Magotteaux we now have been working in recent times with Codelco, prestigious universities and authorized laboratories to develop a 100% Chilean product that meets the demanding high quality and efficiency requirements of our shoppers within the nationwide market. This round economic system mannequin with Codelco is a world instance, producing a constructive social affect within the communities the place we function and provoking your complete business to maneuver in the direction of sustainability, demonstrating that accountable innovation is the trail to actually sustainable growth,” says Enrique Vargas, Normal Supervisor of Magotteaux Andino.
“At Codelco we wish to be a reference within the implementation of large-scale provide contracts with a sustainable focus,” stated the Government President of Codelco, Rubén Alvarado, who valued the joint effort with the business, strategic suppliers and authorities to advertise extra mining. accountable along with your atmosphere. “We’ve got to work collaboratively to realize our targets and make our objective of being a pillar of sustainable growth for Chile and the world a actuality,” Alvarado concluded at an occasion to launch the settlement on the Magotteaux plant in Tiltil.
In the meantime, Juan Pablo Aboitiz, President of the Board of Administrators of Magotteaux, burdened that “the achievements of this settlement between Magotteaux and Codelco had been attainable because of belief and joint work. Codelco has been a key associate that opened the doorways for us and trusted within the high quality of our product, which greater than a technological advance is the results of the revolutionary and collaborative spirit that each firms share.”
“Decreasing the carbon footprint is tremendous essential not solely on the world degree, but additionally on the neighborhood degree,” the Mayor of Tiltil, César Mena, burdened on the ceremony. “And why not say it: Magotteaux is a good firm that principally employs individuals from our commune. It’s a good neighbour for us, as is Codelco. From the municipality we proceed working in order that our neighbours have a greater high quality of life,” he added.
