Metso valves provide long-lasting control of seawater for Sierra Gorda's desert mining project in Chile

The Atacama Desert is one of the driest regions on earth. Precipitation is extremely rare and there is no surface water at the project area. Therefore, the project will rely heavily on sea water delivered via a 350 kilometer long pipeline from the Pacific Ocean. To combat the highly corrosive effects of seawater, Metso will provide valves constructed of SMO254tm austenitic stainless steel, which is highly resistant to the effects of chlorides.

Metso will deliver 54 Neles V-port segment control valves from 1 to 12, on/off valves from 3 to 18 (with Series B1, QPX pneumatic actuators or BIFFI electric actuators) as well as numerous Jamesbury ball valves. All of the valves are rated to ANSI#150.

The Sierra Gorda mining facility is expected to process 110,000 tons per day (t/d) of mineral and its operations will begin late in 2014. The anticipated life of the project is 21 years and the equipment supplied has a 25-year life expectancy.

Experienced in valves

Metso is the leading valve solutions and services provider. Its solutions include control valves, automated on/off and emergency shut-down valves, as well as smart positioners and condition monitoring. Metso's world-leading brands include Neles, Jamesbury and Mapag.