Reduce operational costs

Situation

Gabriela Mistral Division, owned by CODELCO, operates an open-pit copper mine in Chile’s Antofagasta region. Changes in the drilling and blasting processes are needed to meet its cost targets in 2023 and comply with the plant’s granulometric curve. Although the current parameters achieved the defined fragmentation curve, there was room for improvement in the percentage of material below 2 inches, leading to cost savings for the operation.

Challenge

To propose a cost-reducing design while maintaining fragmentation standards without impacting crusher feed, floor condition, downstream loading, and processing.

Customer testimonial

“The team put in a tremendous effort, with Enaex serving as a strategic partner in pursuit of our shared goal of cutting operating costs, particularly at GMD, a low-grade mine.

Their experts made a significant contribution, helping us reduce costs by up to 35% in April.

This was made possible by the high quality of the rock and the successful collaboration between Enaex and the Gabriela Mistral Division” – Estefany Tobar, Chief Engineer of Drilling and Blasting, GMD CODELCO.

Solution

Our EMTS team presented a technical proposal with performance estimates to our client, which we then tested and analyzed for positive results. Thanks to their efforts, we could modify and increase drilling and blasting parameters and effectively implement these changes in the field, reducing cost per blast.

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