Solvay has launched SolvExtract, described as “a first-of-its-kind” app-based digital platform for mining operations, with Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer. SolvExtract, according to the company, connects chemistry and operational insight, bringing Solvay’s technical expertise in mining chemistry to customers quickly and frequently. Solvay claimed the platform allows users to make more informed decisions faster, thus reducing process variability, boosting productivity and improving their bottom line.
SolvExtract is the first of Solvay’s digital solutions for mining operations, and the company claimed it is the only digital platform today dedicated to reagent optimization. The platform enables data flows between a mining operation and Solvay’s proprietary solvent extraction (SX) modeling software. Using this software, Solvay personnel are able to monitor key variables of the SX plant, such as copper recovery and copper transfer, comparing actual values and trends to model predictions, to identify and analyze deviations. Leveraging a dashboard, custom alerts and expert analysis, Solvay can quickly notify plant operators when issues arise and offer recommendations through the platform. Via SolvExtract, plant personnel can engage in dialogue with Solvay to support continuous improvement and enhance the quality of future suggestions.
“SolvExtract has helped the Gabriela Mistral plant validate operational performance and will support us in identifying opportunities for continuous improvement,” said Rodrigo Benavides Oswald, Codelco innovation director. “Through SolvExtract, Solvay has proven to be a partner to the plant by providing deeper, more frequent insight, which has positively influenced our daily decision-making.”
“As available ore grades decline, mines are looking for ways to maximize the amount of copper extracted from each ton of ore,” explained Chuck Price, executive vice president of Solvay’s Mining Solutions business. “SolvExtract utilizes a new generation of data gathering and analytics capabilities — along with Solvay’s reagents, applications expertise and customer feedback — to help SX plants reach their true potential.”
