Factors influencing largescale demolition in Chile

Demolition leader Grupo Flesan delves into the country’s mining demolition sector, revealing its challenges and future.

CREDIT: GRUPO FLESAN

C hile’s mining sector is crucial to the country’s infrastructure and economic development. the country's most significant sector. However, the large-scale decommissioning of Chile's mining sites faces unique challenges and trends that shape its practices and progress.

SPECIALISATION IN MINING

With over 43 years of experience, Grupo Flesan has become a leader in this field, dismantling mining facilities across the country.

“We are the longest-established demolition company in Chile,” says Michel Chait, General Manager of Grupo Flesan’s mining division. “Our expertise, technology, and ability to handle massive demolitions set us apart. While competitors may offer traditional dismantling services, we focus on complex, large-scale projects.”

The company's focus has positioned Grupo Flesan as a critical partner for major mining operators, and its projects range from decommissioning crushers and stockpiles to demolishing extensive infrastructure at mining sites.

Currently, Grupo Flesan is undertaking works at six mining sites in Chile, as well as significant works at Antamina – one of the largest copper mines in Peru – on behalf of Canadian company Teck.

While its projects underscore the high level of technical expertise required by the mining sector, they also highlight the regulatory and environmental hurdles that companies like Grupo Flesan must navigate.

REGULATORY CHALLENGES

Chile’s demolition sector operates under strict regulatory frameworks, particularly in mining. Environmental compliance and permitting are major hurdles that companies must overcome before starting a project.

“For some projects, we spend years securing permits and preparing the groundwork before any physical demolition begins,” Michel reveals.

This rigorous permitting process is evidenced by Grupo Flesan’s recent project in Antofagasta, for which the permits took over four years to secure. The process involves extensive testing, documentation, and adherence to environmental laws, making it a time-intensive aspect of largescale demolition.

HIGH SAFETY STANDARDS

Chile’s demolition and mining industries are also characterised by stringent safety standards. While essential for protecting workers and the environment, these oftten significantly impact project timelines and costs.

“The safety standards here are among the highest globally,” Michel states. “For example, in mining sites, workers often operate in shifts of 14 days on site and 14 days off, with actual working hours limited by safety requirements.”

He adds: “Spanish companies that come to work here often struggle to meet these standards.” According to Michel, the emphasis on safety means the productivity of a 12-hour workday in mining demolition often translates to only six hours of actual work, due to the time required for safety protocols, as well as travel, and other nonproductive activities.

In 2024 Grupo Flesan completed the removal of infrastructure at Teck's Quebrada Blanco Mine in Tarapacá Region, Chile.

These operational realities are things that contractors in the region must balance against broader economic factors.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The factors influencing large-scale demolition in Chile – from stringent regulations and labour shortages to economic dynamics and innovation – paint a complex picture of the industry’s future. But Grupo Flesan's focus on professionalisation, safety, and technological advancement offers a blueprint for overcoming these challenges.

“We’re not just about executing projects,” says Michel. “We’re helping to professionalise the industry by collaborating with smaller companies and elevating standards across the board. There’s a lot of potential here, and we’re excited to lead the way.” ■

Grupo Flesan is currently undertaking disarmament engineering activities in preparation for demolition works at Codelco’s copper mine in Antofagasta, Chile.