Lagunitas Mine

Chile is the world’s leading copper producer, accounting for nearly 30% of global production in 2023. To support future output, Codelco launched a major expansion programme at the Andina Copper Mine, located between 3,700 and 4,200 metres above sea level in the Andes Mountains. As part of this development, a new clarifier was required to improve the treatment of contaminated water produced during mining operations. 

A clarifier is a large open tank used to separate solid particles from liquid. For this project, the required structure measured 54 metres in diameter and 4.5 metres in height. Rather than using conventional reinforced concrete, VSL Chile proposed a segmental solution made of precast, post-tensioned wall units. This innovative approach allowed off-site fabrication of the 71 concrete panels, reducing time on site and improving overall efficiency. 

Under its contract, VSL Chile carried out the engineering and design of the foundation and tank structure, precast production of the wall units, on-site erection supervision, and the supply and installation of the post-tensioning system. The construction process benefitted from significant time and labour savings thanks to the use of precast technology and controlled installation methods.