• Aguas Esperanza (Almar Water Solutions and Transelec), the joint venture that acquired the SIAM I pumping system in 2024, has now completed construction of SIAM II for Minera Centinela.
  • The new pipeline adds roughly 56,000 m³/day of additional capacity and completes a strategic c.150‑km infrastructure corridor between the Port of Michilla and the mining complex.
  • Almar reinforces its position as a long‑term strategic partner to the global mining industry.

Aguas Esperanza, the joint venture between Almar Water Solutions, part of Jameel Environmental Services,  and Transelec, has successfully commenced operations of the SIAM II pipeline confirming the start of water supply to the Nueva Centinela Mining District in the Antofagasta Region.

Almar Centinela SIAM II

With SIAM II now operational, the system incorporates an additional 56,000 m³/day of capacity, complementing the 111,000 m³/day already delivered by SIAM I, which is also been operated by Almar since 2024.  Together, the integrated system now exceeds 167,000 m³/day of transport capacity through a 144-kilometre pipeline network connecting Puerto de Michilla to the mine, located at an altitude of 2,220 meters.

Developed jointly by Almar Water Solutions and Transelec, the project has reached this milestone on schedule, demonstrating both companies’ ability to deliver technically complex large-scale water infrastructure to the highest technical, environmental operational standards.

Construction was completed in roughly 22 months, involving extensive logistical, technical and regulatory coordination of the infrastructure, including environmental and operational permitting.  During the construction phase, the project mobilized nearly 2,600 professionals, contributing to job creation and regional economic activity in the Antofagasta Region.

“This milestone demonstrates the strength of our long-term investment and management model. With SIAM II now in operation, we consolidate a key infrastructure asset for Nueva Centinela’s water security and reaffirm our commitment to delivering sustainable, efficient and financially robust solutions for industry,” said Carlos Cosín, CEO of Almar Water Solutions.

Arturo Le Blanc, Transelec’s CEO, noted that this project is unprecedented and significant for Chile’s green mining industry.  He added that the company is proud to develop an initiative with its partners and client that has demanded perseverance, investment, and the ability to solve complex challenges, while maintaining close engagement with all stakeholders involved.

The project is structured under a BOOT model (Build, Own, Operate and Transfer), which covers the acquisition and optimization of the existing infrastructure (Siam I), the construction of a new pumping system (SIAM II), and its operation and maintenance over the 16‑year concession period, ensuring comprehensive long-term asset management.  This pioneering approach to outsourcing the operation of water supply delivers substantial benefits for the client, enabling the release of financial resources and allowing them to focus on their core business.

Almar and Transelec expressed their sincere appreciation to Antofagasta Minerals, Minera Centinela and Minera Antucoya, as the ultimate client of these operations, for the trust placed in Aguas Esperanza in outsourcing their water‑supply resources.

Water production and security for mining operations

The second pipeline (SIAM II) supplies seawater from the coast to the mining operation, expanding the flow provided by SIAM I, strengthening water security and supporting the client’s operational continuity.

It is a transport system powered by renewable energy, helping to reduce pressure on water resources in the Atacama Desert.  The system forms part of a strategy to use non‑conventional resources responsibly, and its infrastructure has been designed to allow increases in capacity.

Strategic infrastructure with sustainable financing

The Centinela water‑transport system has been structured under a project‑finance scheme involving a total investment of almost US$1.5 billion, with bank financing of close to US$1.3 billion.  The project has also been recognized as ‘Green Finance’, reflecting its alignment with international sustainability standards.

A strategic milestone for Almar Water Solutions and Transelec

With this milestone, Almar and Transelec reaffirm their ability to develop, finance, manage and operate critical water infrastructure, providing a solution that enables the client to outsource its water supply, thereby freeing up capital and allowing it to focus on its core business.

The commissioning of SIAM II marks the start of water production from the new infrastructure and further strengthens Almar’s position as an international platform specialised in the development and investment of sustainable water infrastructure for the industrial and mining sectors.

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