Source: goexplorer.org
Published: October 20, 2016
Neptuno Pumps designs and manufactures energy- efficient water-saving pumps made from recycled materials.
By Sustainia
Located in the driest place on Earth – the Atacama Desert in Chile – Neptuno Pumps designs and manufactures water pumps for the mining industry. The company produces 60% of its pumps with reused and recycled materials sourced from discarded pumps and industrial waste. Neptuno’s pumps are used in water recycling processes, through which mining companies can recycle up to 70% of their water and reduce energy consumption by up to 30%, according to the company.
Pumps are the second most-used machine in the world; therefore, our industry can play a major role in the fight against climate change if it moves towards a circular economy.
Petar Ostojic – CEO, Neptuno Pumps.
In collaboration with partner companies, Neptuno Pumps has established a take-back system for used or broken pumps and has also introduced a remanufacturing center open to the entire Chilean mining industry, where companies can bring their broken pumps of any brand for repair. Neptuno Pumps plans to manufacture 90% of its products with recycled and reused materials within the next five years.
Why you should care
The mining industry is the main pillar of the Chilean economy – copper alone accounts for 60% of the country’s exports – and uses significant quantities of water. Neptuno Pumps provides an immediate, ready-to-use solution that helps a notoriously unsustainable industry to mitigate some of its harmful environmental impacts.
How the Global Goals are addressed
Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Neptuno’s recycled water pumps are introducing concepts of circularity to the mining industry, helping energy-intensive industrial processes become more resource efficient.
Responsible Consumption and Production
According to a company study, Neptuno Pumps’ circular approach can help reduce production waste by up to 75%, compared with traditional, less sustainable approaches.