Anglo American has installed 256 photovoltaic panels that float on the tailings containment pond at its Los Bronces complex. This pilot project is expected to generate 150 MWh/year from 256 photovoltaic cells.
The mine is located 65 km from Santiago at an elevation of 3,500 metres. The cells are designed to withstand extreme weather such as snow and heavy rain. Even winds of 210 km/h should not disturb the installation.
A bonus to the cell array is that it slows water evaporation by 80%. Water recovery rates are expected to go up. Currently, recycled water supplies about 45% of Los Bronces' demand.
This article first appeared in the Canadian Mining Journal.