Techint E&C: Leadership in EPC Projects for the Mining Industry
With a track record of over 3,500 projects worldwide, Techint E&C has cemented its reputation as a trusted partner in delivering large-scale infrastructure solutions. Its end-to-end approach—ranging from conceptual design to detailed engineering, operations, and maintenance—positions the firm at the forefront of complex ventures, including pioneering desalination efforts in challenging high-altitude mining regions.
1. What is Techint E&C's value proposition compared to other service companies?
Over 75 years of history and a track record of over 3,500 completed projects show that, for Techint E&C, completing a project is a non-negotiable commitment. As experts in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction), we deliver a full spectrum of services, covering every phase from conceptual engineering and construction to the operation and maintenance of large-scale projects.
In Peru, we have more than 45 years of experience, during which we have played a pivotal role in transforming key sectors such as mining, energy, and hydrocarbons. Landmark projects like the Camisea gas pipeline, the Toromocho plant, and the Mina Justa and Quellaveco water transport systems are just a few examples of our achievements. These projects have enhanced our technical and logistical capabilities, enabling us to efficiently serve the national market. Our strategically located logistics centers, extensive machinery fleet, and deep understanding of the local work environment and supply chain ensure we always deliver top-tier solutions with precision and reliability.
Our unmatched capacity for innovation, corporate strength, and commitment to excellence in project management are the pillars that set us apart from our peers in the industry.
2. How does Techint E&C ensure operational safety in complex environments, such as coastal and mountainous terrain, during project construction?
We enforce strict safety protocols across all our projects, with heightened measures for those in the most challenging environments. A prime example is the SADDN (Desalinated Water Supply for the Northern District) project for Codelco in Chile. Our approach includes continuous risk assessments, specialized operator training, and regular emergency drills to ensure our teams are prepared for any potential incidents. We also leverage cutting-edge real-time monitoring technologies to proactively detect and mitigate risks. Every member of our team adheres to rigorous safety standards.
3. What are the technical challenges of desalination in mining projects and how can these be overcome?
One of the main technical challenges facing desalination for mining activity is transporting water from the coast to high-altitude mountainous regions. At Techint E&C, we’ve engineered advanced pumping solutions to tackle these challenges head-on. In the C20+ project for Doña Inés de Collahuasi Mining Company, for instance, we are constructing a system capable of transporting over 1,000 liters of desalinated water per second from sea level to a mine lying at more than 4,000 meters above sea level. The pipeline system is designed for maximum efficiency, featuring specialized coatings and reinforced thickness to ensure durability and continuous operation under extreme conditions.
4. What is the operational and technical capacity of the SADDN project in terms of desalinated water treatment?
The SADDN project has an initial desalinated water treatment capacity of 840 liters per second, and there are expansion plans underway which envisage reaching 1,956 liters per second. This large-scale infrastructure system will supply water to mines such as Chuquicamata, Radomiro Tomic, and Ministro Hales. The desalination plant employs cutting-edge reverse osmosis technology and features a 160-km aqueduct, along with multiple pumping stations, specifically designed to offset the demands of the region's challenging terrain. This advanced system efficiently transports water to altitudes of over 3,000 meters above sea level.
5. In addition to desalination and water transport projects, what other capabilities does Techint E&C have in the mining sector?
Techint E&C brings together extensive experience and capabilities, ensuring it can contribute from the earliest stages of conceptual and basic engineering, including managing permits throughout all the operational phases of a mine. Our expertise ranges from the construction of concentration plants, mineral extraction and transportation systems to auxiliary infrastructure. As technology integrators, we bring a practical, execution-focused approach to EPC projects.
We have played a leading role in some of the most important mining projects in Peru and across Latin America. One such example is the Toromocho megaproject, a copper and molybdenum mine located at more than 4,000 meters above sea level and with a processing capacity of 120,000 tons per day. Techint E&C spearheaded the construction and electromechanical assembly of the hydrometallurgy and concentrate filtration plant, optimizing the use of waste from mineral concentrate processes.
Another landmark project we were involved with was Minera Vale's S11D undertaking in Brazil, where we replaced conventional truck transport with a conveyor belt system, significantly boosting efficiency and sustainability. Here, meticulous planning was crucial to overcoming the logistical challenges of operating in such a remote region.