Following 20 months of construction,Terminal Graneles del Norte (TGN) has begun operations at its new terminal, which forms part of the second phase development of the Mejillones Port Complex. An official inauguration is now expected to take place in May. A total of $80 million was invested in the project and capacity at the terminal is in the order 4mt (million tonnes) per year.
TGN, which says it is incorporating the highest standards of environmental protection to be found in the industry, officially opened for business on 15 January, but didn’t attend to ships until February, when four bulk carriers carrying coal docked. Managing director, Emilio Bouchon, forecasts handling a total of 1.03mt this year, although maximum capacity is 4mt, with up to 2mt of coal expected to be discharged annually to feed a neighbouring electricity generating station. It’s possible in the future a shiploader will also be installed capable of handling mineral concentrates.
The opening of TGN signifies completion of the second construction phase of the port complex. The first phase encompassed the putting into operation of Angamos Port, which is now the leading mineral handling facility in northern Chile. Barry Cross