Felipe Reyes, Tunning’s project manager, has led the implementation of the Full SaL project control system for BHP Billiton’s Escondida mining company.

Photo credits: Escondida

During the last few years, the mining company BHP Billiton has implemented various strategies to deal with the drop in production that is expected in the future, as a result of lower copper ore grades.

One of these strategies is the application of new leaching technologies to improve ore recovery, such as the simple leaching method called Full SaL (Simple Approach to Leaching).

To implement this technology, a series of changes are required in the agglomeration, leaching and solvent extraction areas of Minera Escondida. Tunning has been in charge of these transformations since 2024, supplying the control system for the new equipment and plant modifications.

With equipment in Santiago and Antofagasta, the result of Tunning’s work will help increase copper cathode production by enabling the treatment of mixed ores and secondary sulfides. It will also extend the useful life of this plant until 2034.

“The control systems are based on Rockwell Automation technology, which connects, simplifies and standardizes industrial systems by integrating elements from different disciplines to optimize the required operations,” explains Felipe Reyes, Tunning’s project manager.

Felipe Reyes.

Tunning Project Manager.

Tunning Equipment Full SaL project.