Techint - Collahuasi pipeline project

Characteristics

  • Automatic welding of the root-pass GMAW-RMD without copper-backing.
  • Filling/ capping with Advanced Pulse (P-GMAW).
  • PQT,AUT Validation and ECA for a 194km 44" pipeline project with 7 wall thicknesses ranging up to 27mm

Techint executed construction on the Collahuasi Pipeline Project

Techint was awarded the Collahuasi Pipeline Project in Chile, providing a strategic upgrade to the transport of copper concentrate and process water for the Collahuasi mining operations. This high-altitude pipeline system plays a vital role in ensuring reliable operations for one of the world’s largest copper mines, located in the Tarapacá Region of northern Chile. The project required advanced automatic welding technology to deliver high-quality joints under extreme environmental conditions.

About Techint

Techint is a leading global construction and engineering company with a strong track record in oil & gas, mining, and infrastructure projects. With extensive experience across Latin America, Techint provides engineering, procurement, construction, commissioning, and maintenance services. The company emphasizes innovation, safety, and efficiency to deliver complex projects in demanding environments.

Collahuasi Pipeline Project

The Collahuasi Pipeline Project is a critical infrastructure development designed to support mining operations at extreme altitudes above 4,000 meters. The project required not only advanced engineering but also logistical excellence to manage workforce safety and material transport in one of the most challenging terrains in South America. Key features and technical highlights include:

  • High-altitude construction at over 4,000m above sea level, requiring special planning for worker health and equipment performance.
  • Installation of large-diameter pipelines to transport copper concentrate and process water across mountainous terrain.
  • Use of automatic welding systems to guarantee precision and quality in extreme weather conditions with low oxygen levels.
  • Complex logistics to transport pipe materials and heavy equipment through narrow and steep access routes.
  • Strict safety and environmental compliance due to the project’s proximity to fragile Andean ecosystems.

Through the combination of Techint’s expertise and advanced automatic welding technology, the Collahuasi Pipeline Project enhances the efficiency and reliability of copper mining operations in Chile. This development demonstrates the ability to execute large-scale energy and mining infrastructure under extreme environmental conditions, reinforcing Techint’s reputation as a global leader in complex EPC projects.