A Partnership for Efficiency: Compañía Minera del Pacífico enhances its production with Valmet’s custommade solution
Since the start‑up of Compañía Minera del Pacífico’s (CMP) tailings plant in 2023, Valmet has supported the operation with industrial filtration solutions designed to address one of the most critical challenges of the process: achieving maximum production capacity without the tailings area becoming a bottleneck in the operation.
CMP is one of Chile’s leading mining companies and the country’s main producer of iron ore, operating multiple sites along the north‑central region of Chile. Its operations supply both domestic and international markets, making the reliability and efficiency of its processes essential for meeting production demands. Over the years, this collaboration has evolved into a notable case of continuous improvement, applied innovation, and joint work focused on delivering concrete results.
As the operation expanded, CMP identified that the filtration stage was limiting the overall performance of the plant. Filtration rate, cloth lifetime, performance stability, and reliability of the filter cloths were determining factors in advancing toward production targets. In response, Valmet took on the challenge of conducting an in-depth analysis of the situation and proposed a solution that would not only address the immediate need but also deliver long-term value.
To address the root cause of the problem, Valmet’s technical team conducted a series of laboratory tests using the Filtratest, a scale-model laboratory that can simulate, evaluate, and compare the performance of different filter fabrics against actual mineral slurry samples. This methodology allowed for the study of multiple variables, from cake formation time to solids concentration and cycle times, in order to determine the optimal specification for the specific conditions of the CMP operation.
“With CMP we were dealing with a very specific slurry condition, so it was essential to find a filter cloth that could respond precisely to those requirements. Based on these analyses, Valmet selected a filter cloth, a custommade solution designed to maximize process efficiency. Its main characteristics include clear filtrate, high processing capacity, optimal dewatering and long service life, all key elements that directly contribute to improving tailings process efficiency and ensuring operational continuity,” explained Carol Morgado, Product Sales Engineer at Valmet.
The technical support provided by Valmet has been very close and results oriented, with laboratory studies performed whenever needed. I especially highlight their ability to adapt the design of the cloth to the specific characteristics of our tailings. Since its implementation, we have seen significant improvements in cloth lifetime and a reduction in replacement frequency. Continuous follow up has been key to maintaining process stability, anticipating deviations, and validating improvements. Without a doubt, we recommend this customized approach for other operations facing similar challenges”
Today, the partnership between CMP and Valmet stands as a strong example of technological collaboration in the mining industry. The combination of technical expertise, rigorous analysis, and adaptability has made it possible to optimize a critical stage of the process, increase efficiency, and enhance operational reliability.
“For Valmet, the mining industry represents a strategic opportunity to apply our technical expertise and our ability to develop solutions that address the real challenges of each operation. The work we’ve done with CMP is a clear example of this approach. Through a deep understanding of their operational conditions and ongoing technical collaboration, we were able to deliver a solution that precisely meets their needs and generates tangible value for their process. “Every plant has its own unique characteristics, and our role is to identify those specific needs and respond with technology, expertise, and a hands-on approach,” explained Richard Barros, Operations Director, Valmet Andes and Plata Regions.
This project reaffirms Valmet’s commitment to delivering solutions that address its customers’ real challenges and contribute to the sustainable and competitive development of the Chilean mining industry.
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