Pablo Diaz, Control and Environmental Monitoring Engineer
Develop a technology that allows the settling of particulate matter (PM) suspended in the environment, product of the mine and plant operation.
It considers the use of radio waves to destabilize particulate matter and make it settle under mining operating conditions. It is a project developed by Quantum Matrix that brings together Antofagasta Minerals, BHP and Teck. In addition, AMIRA participates as a specialist in technological scouting. Between 2015 and 2016, laboratory tests were carried out that showed that radio waves increase the speed of material settling (Phase 1 and 2). For Phase 3, the project is in the semi-industrial testing stage at the company Carmen de Andacollo of Teck and at Minera Spence of BHP.
1. Validate the technology in open space, with dynamic variables (wind speed, PM concentration, particle size, etc.).
2. Ensure that there is no interference with remote mining control process equipment.
3. Evaluation of compliance with all regulations in terms of safety, health and environment.