A GLOBALLY DIVERSIFIED
GOLD PRODUCER
Gold Fields Limited, a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Peru, South Africa, and West Africa, has strategically expanded its operations in South America with the development of the Salares Norte project. Situated in the Atacama region of northern Chile, Salares Norte represents a significant milestone for the company, underscoring its commitment to operational excellence, sustainable development, and community engagement.
Salares Norte is an open-pit gold-silver mining project located in the high-altitude Atacama Desert, approximately 4,200 meters above sea level. The project encompasses an extensive exploration area of around 2,800 hectares. Discovered in 2011, the project has progressed through rigorous exploration, feasibility studies, and construction phases, leading to its commissioning in the early 2020s.
The mine’s estimated reserves include 3.5 million ounces of gold and 39 million ounces of silver, making it one of Gold Fields’ most promising assets. The anticipated life of the mine is approximately 11.5 years, with an annual production rate of 450,000 ounces of gold equivalent in the initial years, tapering off to an average of 350,000 ounces.
Operational Excellence
Gold Fields has leveraged its extensive experience and expertise to ensure that Salares Norte operates at the highest standards of efficiency and productivity. The mining process employs conventional open-pit mining techniques, utilizing drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling methods. The processing plant employs a conventional Carbon-in-Leach (CIL) circuit with a nameplate capacity of 2 million tons per annum, which can be scaled up as needed.
A key aspect of Salares Norte’s operational strategy is the use of advanced technologies and automation to enhance productivity and safety. The incorporation of autonomous haul trucks and remote-controlled drilling equipment has significantly reduced human exposure to hazardous conditions while improving operational efficiency. Moreover, real-time monitoring systems and predictive maintenance protocols ensure optimal equipment performance and minimize downtime.
Environmental Stewardship
Gold Fields is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of its operations and adhering to stringent environmental regulations. Salares Norte is situated in a sensitive ecosystem, necessitating robust environmental management practices. The company has implemented comprehensive water management strategies, including the use of a zero-discharge system, to protect local water resources. All water used in the mining and processing operations is recycled, with no water being discharged into the environment.
Biodiversity conservation is another critical focus area for Salares Norte. Gold Fields has collaborated with local authorities and environmental organizations to develop and implement measures that protect the region’s unique flora and fauna. The company has established a biodiversity management plan that includes habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and the creation
of conservation areas to offset the environmental footprint of mining activities.
Social Responsibility and Community Engagement
Gold Fields places a strong emphasis on fostering positive relationships with local communities and ensuring that its operations deliver tangible benefits to the region. The Salares Norte project
has generated significant employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, contributing to the socio-economic development of the Atacama region. During the construction phase, the project employed over 2,000 workers, with a focus on hiring local talent and providing comprehensive training programs to enhance skills and employability.
In addition to job creation, Gold Fields has invest-
ed in community development initiatives aimed at improving local infrastructure, healthcare, and education. The company has established partnerships with local municipalities, NGOs, and educational institutions to support projects that address the needs and priorities of the community. These initiatives include the construction of schools, health clinics, and water supply systems, as well as the provision of scholarships and vocational training programs.
Pochteca desarrolla, fabrica y distribuye una amplia gama de reactivos químicos para minería. Una de nuestras principales fortalezas es brindar un soporte técnico con expertos en minería, pudiendo de este modo generar soluciones integrales en reactivos químicos de acuerdo con las necesidades específicas de cada cliente.
El amplio portafolio de productos en minería le permite a Pochteca apoyar a sus clientes a lo largo de todo el proceso minero, posicionándonos como una compañía líder en el mercado minero.
Reactivos para flotación de minerales
Reactivos para los procesos hidrometalúrgicos de cobre
Reactivos para los procesos de oro y plata
Reactivos para tratamiento de agua
Químicos para mantención
Pochteca Chile: más de 50 Años impulsando la excelencia en la industria minera
Pochteca Chile ha brindado soluciones a la industria minera, fabricando y distribuyendo reactivos químicos específicos para este sector a través de sus dos plantas de producción localizadas en Santiago y Antofagasta, por más de 50 años.
Gracias a su vasta experiencia en el manejo del portafolio de productos, Pochteca es capaz de desarrollar soluciones integrales a sus clientes a lo largo de todo el proceso minero, posicionándose así, como una de las compañías líderes en la industria.
Una de las principales fortalezas de Pochteca radica en su capacidad para ofrecer un sólido respaldo técnico con su equipo de profesionales altamente capacitados en los campos de metalurgia y química.
Entre los principales procesos mineros en los que Pochteca suministra reactivos químicos estratégicos destacan:
Procesamiento de minerales: flotación, espesamiento, filtración y transporte de relaves.
Procesos hidrometalúrgicos: recuperación de cobre por lixiviación – extracción por solventes - electroobtención y recuperación de oro y plata.
Pochteca Chile ha tenido el privilegio de colaborar con las empresas mineras más importantes del país, destacándonos como un aliado confiable y estratégico en el sector. Uno de los proyectos más significativos en los que hemos participado en los últimos tiempos es el proyecto de oro Goldfields Salares Norte.
Para el Gerente Comercial de la División Minería, Mauro Torres, ser uno de los principales proveedores de reactivos químicos para Salares Norte representa una oportunidad estratégica invaluable para Pochteca Chile. Esta participación, no solo fortalece nuestra presencia en el mercado, sino que también nos posiciona como un proveedor clave en el suministro de reactivos químicos para los procesos de la industria del oro. Estamos comprometidos en consolidar nuestra reputación como líderes en el sector, ofreciendo soluciones innovadoras y de alta calidad que satisfagan las demandas específicas de nuestros clientes en la industria minera. Esta colaboración con Salares Norte no solo nos impulsa hacia adelante, sino que también nos brinda una plataforma sólida para seguir creciendo y expandiendo nuestra presencia en el mercado minero.
Technological innovations, such as remote monitoring and autonomous equipment,
play a crucial role in enhancing safety
at the mine site.
Health and Safety
The health and safety of employees and contractors are paramount at Salares Norte. Gold Fields adheres to stringent safety protocols and industry best practices to create a safe working environment. The company has implemented a comprehensive health and safety management system that includes regular risk assessments, safety training, and emergency response planning.
Technological innovations, such as remote monitoring and autonomous equipment, play a crucial role in enhancing safety at the mine site. By reducing the need for human intervention in hazardous areas, these technologies help to minimize the risk of accidents and injuries. Furthermore, Gold Fields promotes a safety-first culture through continuous engagement with employees and contractors, emphasizing the importance of adherence to safety protocols and encouraging proactive reporting of potential hazards.
Economic Contributions
Salares Norte is a significant contributor to the Chilean economy, generating substantial economic value through direct and indirect employment, procurement of goods and services, and
payment of taxes and royalties. The project has created a multiplier effect, stimulating local businesses and contributing to the overall economic development of the Atacama region.
Gold Fields prioritizes local procurement, sourcing a significant portion of goods and
services from local suppliers. This approach not only supports the local economy but also fosters strong relationships with regional businesses and promotes the development of local supply chains. The company’s commitment to local content ensures that the economic benefits of the project are broadly distributed within the community.
The Salares Norte project exemplifies Gold Fields’ strategic vision of delivering sustainable value through responsible mining.
Future Prospects
Looking ahead, Gold Fields is committed to maintaining the high standards of operational excellence, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility that characterize the Salares Norte project. The company is exploring opportunities to extend the life of the mine through further exploration and the potential expansion of the processing plant. Continued investment in technological innovations and sustainable practices will ensure that Salares Norte remains a flagship operation for Gold Fields.
In conclusion, the Salares Norte project exemplifies Gold Fields’ strategic vision of delivering sustainable value through responsible mining. The project’s successful development and operation reflect the company’s dedication to excellence in all aspects of its business, from environmental management and community engagement to operational efficiency and safety. As Gold Fields continues to build on the achievements of Salares Norte, it reinforces its position as a leader in the global gold mining industry, committed to creating lasting benefits for all stakeholders.
