Codelco awards solar thermal project to Energia Llaima, Sunmark

Sep 3, 2012 - Chile's state-run copper miner Codelco today said it had awarded the construction and operation of a solar thermal facility for its Gaby mine to a consortium between Chilean firm Energia Llaima and Danish Sunmark.
The facility will supply heat to the electrowinning process at Gaby. The contract, signed today, is worth USD 60 million (EUR 47.7m) and spans 10 years, though the period may be extended, Codelco said.
Currently, Gaby consumes 8,000 cu m (282,500 cu ft) of diesel annually to heat the electrolyte and produce 120,000 tonnes of copper. The solar facility will cover 80% of the current heat demand for electrowinning, supplying nearly 50 GWh a year. Gaby will save nearly USD 7 million from energy costs.
(USD 1 = EUR 0.796)

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