Success Case: Sustainable Mining

UM. ANDAYCHAGUA - SUCCESS STORIES

Environmental engineering applied to the optimization of industrial waste in high-complexity mining operations.

Panoramic view of the Andaychagua mining operation in the high Andean landscape

What did we do?

A specialized technical opinion was developed to define the hazardousness of cardboard containers used as secondary packaging for explosives at the Andaychagua Operating Unit. The main objective was to scientifically determine whether these materials should be classified as hazardous or non-hazardous waste, challenging conventional classifications through technical evidence.

Operating Unit

Andaychagua, Metallurgical Complex

Document Review

Visual Inspection

Laboratory Tests

Physical Analysis

Case Resolution

The resolution was based on a rigorous three-stage process: comprehensive review of technical documents, on-site visual and physical inspection, and an accredited laboratory test.

"The technical report categorically concludes that the analyzed boxes do not present characteristics of explosiveness, toxicity, corrosiveness or chemical reactivity."

Success Summary

We successfully demonstrated with irrefutable technical evidence that cardboard containers can be reclassified as non-hazardous waste.

More efficient and safe management by separating materials without direct contact with explosives.

Significant reduction in operational costs in the handling of special waste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the cardboard box not considered hazardous?

Because it functions strictly as an external (secondary) packaging, there is no direct physical contact between the explosive material and the cardboard structure, maintaining its chemical integrity.

What test confirmed there was no risk?

An accredited laboratory test was performed under international standards that analyzed the presence of chemical residues and hazardous characteristics, yielding negative results in all indicators.

What is done with these boxes in the end?

Once reclassified, they are managed as common waste, allowing their final disposal in ordinary sanitary landfills or their insertion into paper and cardboard recycling chains.