The process pumps will dewater copper sludge in the mine's flotation process and extract the copper concentrate.

Wellford brought Pleuger into play, the companies said, because of the latter's experience in designing pump units for mining's special requirements.

The new pump systems are also energy efficient, allowing Collahuasi to remain in compliance with its energy management programme, which has been based on international regulatory standards.

Opened in 1999, the open-pit Collahuasi mine produced 507 tonnes of fine copper in 2016. Its exports generally are sent to China and other Asian markets.

Collahuasi is a joint venture between Anglo American, Glencore and Japan Collahuasi Resources.

German-based Pleuger has a product focus on submersible motor pumps, plunger pumps and maneuvering systems, as well as customised special pumps.