Züblin awarded mine extensions in Chile

The two contracts, for extensions to the Candelaria Norte and El Teniente mines, have a total value of around US$302m, and a length of 16 and 30 years respectively.

Züblin has spent the last 16 years developing the Candelaria Norte copper ore mine in the Atacama region, 650km north of the capital Santiago. During that time 140km of tunnels have been built, and a further 40km will be constructed in the coming three-year contract period. The new contract, for client Lundin Mining, also includes the loading and transport of more than 3 million tonnes of rock.

At the El Teniente copper mine in the Andes, Züblin has been working for the client, the National Copper Corporation of Chile (CODELCO), since 1992. The new two-year contract includes the development of a 13.4km tunnel system on different levels, 1,503m of vertical shafts, and other infrastructure work.

“Our specialists have been doing an excellent job in Chile for decades and have made a significant contribution to consolidating our leading position in mining on the Chilean market,” said Strabag SE CEO Thomas Birtel.

Züblin has had a presence in Chile since 1987 and is currently working on seven major projects in the country, including mining projects in Chuquicamata, Candelaria and El Teniente.