Located in Peru’s high mountains, the Pucamarca Mine is a high-altitude mine situated approximately 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometres) above sea level. Since 2015, we’ve provided the mining company, Minsur, with various services related to hydrology, water treatment, feasibility and detailed engineering, water treatment plants, and water supply for processes.
After we completed a study analyzing different options to address the negative water balance of the mining unit, Minsur engaged us to develop a detailed engineering design for an acid water treatment plant. This plant would draw naturally acidic water from the Azufre River, a volcanic-origin river, and use the treated water for its processes.
Our civil and structural engineering team developed design criteria for this high-altitude water treatment plant. The design included water treatment process diagrams, processes, mechanics and piping, instrumentation, and electrical. We focused on designing components and equipment that would operate at low temperatures and capture, conduct, and treat this type of water. This complies with the regulations of both Peru and Chile, as the project is located on the border of both these countries.
When completed, this specialized water treatment plant will provide high-quality water for the Pucamarca Mine Unit processes to counteract the lack of water resources due to a negative water balance at elevation.
" }