A sector of the region holds significant iron-bearing sands suitable for magnetic-separation processing. APC Minerales operates the concentration plant using a fully mechanical, chemical-free process, returning the clean sand to the extraction site afterwards.
About the project
The magnetic concentration plant is located near Iquique in the Tarapacá region. The site was chosen for its proximity to the export port, which keeps logistics costs low for concentrate destined for international markets.
Process
The process is fully mechanical:
- Extraction of surface and sub-surface iron-bearing sand using light machinery, minimising surface disturbance.
- Crushing and screening to standardise grain size.
- Magnetic concentration using permanent-magnet drums. Iron is separated by attraction; the non-magnetic sand is returned to its place of origin, clean and chemical-free.
- Storage of the concentrate in stockpiles near the port, ready for shipping.
Environmental commitment
Before any operation begins, native flora and fauna are relocated to neighbouring areas. Returning clean sand to the extraction site allows the landscape to recover naturally over short timeframes.