CHILE - Molybdenos y Metalles SA has signed an agreement with Vancouver-based BIOTEQ ENVIRONMENT TECHNOLOGIES for the construction and operation of a Sulf-IX (TM) plant at the mining company's refinery near Santiago. BioteQ will replace the existing reverse osmosis plant.
The new treatment plant, to be built to three stages, carries a price tag of $8.0 million. The capital costs will be shared by BioteQ and Molymet, but the majority of the costs will be borne by BioteQ. BioteQ will also be the operator and charge treatment fees dependent on the volume of water treated. BioteQ will build two plants, one that recovers copper using BioteQ's BioSulphide to produce saleable gypsum and the second using the Sulf-IV process to render the discharge water suitable for municipal and agricultural use.
There are growing concerns about the impact of sulphate on water quality and long-term health effects. As a result, many jurisdictions, including Chile, are imposing tighter regulations for sulphate discharge.
Molymet operates an integrated refining facility located at Nos, approximately 30 km south of Santiago, Chile. The plant currently operates a zero liquid discharge wastewater treatment plant integrated with evaporation and crystallization, to remove sulphate and other salts in the final waste water treatment stage prior to water recycle.
Detailed information about BioteQ's water treatment processes are posted at www.BioteQ.ca.
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