Wedoany.com Report on Feb 2nd, Vicuña Corp, a Chilean joint venture formed by Australia's BHP and Canada's Lundin Mining, has officially launched the tender process for the Northern Corridor road infrastructure project. This planned permanent road, stretching over 170 kilometers, aims to provide high-standard technical access to the Josemaría and Filo del Sol deposits, enhancing regional connectivity and production development capacity in San Juan Province.
The Northern Corridor, as a crucial infrastructure project supporting the expansion of the region's extractive industry, will accompany mining project operations and significantly improve the logistical conditions for transporting goods, supplies, and personnel. This is expected to enhance the overall efficiency of the mining production chain in the long term. The road's completion is anticipated to have a positive impact on the regional economy and mining development.
The project route is divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D, each presenting distinct engineering and logistical challenges. Section A includes parts A1 and A2, extending from Angualasto to Junta La Palca, passing through Malimán and El Chinguillo, with a total length of 63.6 kilometers. It also plans for the construction of a bridge approximately 100 meters long crossing the Río Blanco at Piedras Pintadas.
Sections B, C, and D have a combined length of about 107.4 kilometers. Construction involves large-scale earthworks, drainage systems, support structures, and retaining works, presenting a high level of technical complexity. Vicuña Corp has established strict evaluation criteria for bidding companies, focusing on financial robustness, technical qualifications, and safety management practices to ensure the quality and sustainability of the road construction.
Furthermore, the project will encourage local community participation in construction and service provision through a local labor force plan and business exchange activities. It aims to generate direct economic benefits for the surrounding areas and promote production development related to the mining projects.
