In what it describes as a key advance towards the decarbonisation of the mining industry, Chilean copper mining major Codelco has reported on an innovative agreement with Magotteaux Andino SA to implement a circular economy model in the supply of grinding balls.
The contract, which is valid for five years and began at the beginning of 2024, includes a pilot that allows Magotteaux to manufacture new grinding ball input with metal waste and worn balls from the El Teniente Division, which translates into a significant reduction in carbon footprint. Specifically, there will be almost 40,000 t/y of CO2 saved, which is equivalent to the emissions of approximately 8,464 vehicles driven in a year or 36,398 trees absorbing carbon annually.
The project marks a milestone for Codelco in terms of reducing its Scope 3 emissions, that is, those generated by suppliers that are part of its value chain. Recently, the state company committed to reducing its emissions intensity associated with strategic operational inputs by 25% by 2030, and this initiative with Magotteaux represents concrete progress towards meeting said goal, applying the circular economy in its business vision.
Likewise, it is the first major contract in the Corporation’s Supply area that adopts a closed-loop circular economy model. This is due to the pilot – already operational – in the El Teniente Division, where Magotteaux will remove between 50 and 75 t of disused worn grinding balls and metal waste (scrap) monthly, revaluing them as raw material to manufacture new balls. This is a reuse scheme that reduces the costs associated with waste management for Codelco, resulting in an important economic benefit.
The New Ecomax cast balls manufactured by Magotteaux – whose manufacturing generates a 53% lower carbon footprint, compared to the input previously used at El Teniente – not only match the operational performance of traditional forged balls, but are also cost competitive, with the added value of circularity and sustainable development.
“At Codelco we are leading the way towards a more sustainable future. This agreement positions us as a reference in the implementation of large-scale supply contracts, with a firm focus on sustainability. This is the first contract for grinding balls that incorporates a 100% supply model from recovered material,” reinforces Mauricio Acuña, Vice President of Supply at Codelco.
The executive explains that, during 2025, the Andina Division will gradually incorporate this circular supply model, with a carbon footprint reduction potential similar to the case of El Teniente. If successful, the system could be expanded to other work centres of the Corporation.
“At Magotteaux we have been working in recent years with Codelco, prestigious universities and certified laboratories to develop a 100% Chilean product that meets the demanding quality and performance standards of our clients in the national market. This circular economy model with Codelco is a global example, generating a positive social impact in the communities where we operate and inspiring the entire industry to move towards sustainability, demonstrating that responsible innovation is the path to truly sustainable development,” says Enrique Vargas, General Manager of Magotteaux Andino.
“At Codelco we want to be a reference in the implementation of large-scale supply contracts with a sustainable focus,” said the Executive President of Codelco, Rubén Alvarado, who valued the joint effort with the industry, strategic suppliers and authorities to promote more mining. responsible with your environment. “We have to work collaboratively to achieve our objectives and make our purpose of being a pillar of sustainable development for Chile and the world a reality,” Alvarado concluded at an event to launch the agreement at the Magotteaux plant in Tiltil.
Meanwhile, Juan Pablo Aboitiz, President of the Board of Directors of Magotteaux, stressed that “the achievements of this agreement between Magotteaux and Codelco were possible thanks to trust and joint work. Codelco has been a key partner that opened the doors for us and trusted in the quality of our product, which more than a technological advance is the result of the innovative and collaborative spirit that both companies share.”
“Reducing the carbon footprint is super important not only at the global level, but also at the community level,” the Mayor of Tiltil, César Mena, stressed at the ceremony. “And why not say it: Magotteaux is a great company that mostly employs people from our commune. It is a good neighbour for us, as is Codelco. From the municipality we continue working so that our neighbours have a better quality of life,” he added.
