Assessment of integrity conditions of infrastructure for Agua Rica project
SAXUM has been selected to provide specialized civil and structural engineering services for the MARA Project (Minera Agua Rica Alumbrera), one of the most significant mining developments in Argentina.
MARA is conducting technical studies to develop the Agua Rica deposit as part of a new integrated project. This is a large-scale porphyry deposit containing copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), and molybdenum (Mo), located in the province of Catamarca, in northwest Argentina.
A key part of this integrated plan involves repurposing the existing infrastructure of Minera Alumbrera and its Filter Plant, which will become essential components of MARA's future operations.
In this context, SAXUM has been engaged to carry out a structural integrity evaluation of all different facilities, structures, and foundations at both sites. Leveraging its extensive experience in civil and structural projects and in the assessment of the safety factor of existing industrial facilities, SAXUM performed the evaluation of the current condition of all structures and foundations to verify the level of alignment with specific code specifications and MARA’s future operational needs.
The scope of work by SAXUM included:
- On-site inspections to assess the current structural condition.
- Non-destructive tests on the structural materials of the involved structures.
- Review of original design documents to develop Structural Design Models, which will be updated to reflect actual conditions, resulting in Current Structural Models (MEA).
- Structural safety and integrity diagnostics, based on original design criteria and applicable CIRSOC standards valid at the time of construction.
As part of this effort, SAXUM delivered conclusive reports describing current structural characteristics, the diagnostic on the Integrity and safety of the existing structures and foundations, and the descriptions of the needed actions for their repair or reinforcement.
This project reinforces SAXUM’s position as a trusted engineering partner for the mining sector, delivering high-quality, technically rigorous services tailored to complex industrial needs.
Engineering services for kiln upgrade project for Ash Grove in Utah, USA
Ash Grove Cement, a CRH Company, continues to lead the way in the cement industry with over 140 years of innovation and service across North America. With operations spanning the U.S. Midwest, Texas, Florida, the Great Lakes, and Canada, the company plays a key role in building the infrastructure that drives economic growth.
A new milestone is underway at Ash Grove Leamington Cement Plant in Utah, where a major upgrade is planned to enhance production capacity and reduce operational downtime. This plant is critical to Ash Grove ‘s western U.S. operations, supplying high-quality Portland cement for residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.
To support this mayor upgrade, SAXUM has been selected to provide comprehensive civil and structural engineering services. SAXUM’s designs will help accommodate new high-performance equipment supplied by FLSmidth (FLS) and IKN, including updates to the kiln, preheater, and clinker cooler systems.
This relevant project will enable Ash Grove to improve efficiency, modernize key infrastructure, and position the Leamington plant for long-term success. With SAXUM’s expertise, the project will ensure both structural integrity and seamless integration of next-generation equipment.
Electrical Engineering for Finish Mill 4 Project at Buzzi Unicem USA
SAXUM has been selected by BUZZI Unicem USA, one of the leading cement manufacturers in the United States, to develop electrical engineering designs for the Finish Mill 4 (FM4) Project at their Festus, Missouri plant. This initiative is part of BUZZI’s broader efforts to enhance efficiency and modernize operations across its national network of cement facilities.
BUZZI operates eight cement plants across the US and distributes product through a vast network of 35 terminals in over 20 states. The Festus facility plays a key role in BUZZI’s nationwide operations, and this project is a strategic step toward enhancing its production capabilities.
SAXUM will be responsible for delivering comprehensive electrical engineering services for the Mill Feed, Finish Grinding, the Cement Discharge and Storage, and the Synthetic Gypsum Departments of the Festus facility. Our scope of work includes full design packages, bid documents, construction documentation, and final as-built drawings.
This project underscores SAXUM’s commitment to delivering high-value, engineering solutions for the cement industry. We’re honoured to support BUZZI in this important upgrade and look forward to contributing to the continued success and efficiency of their operations.
Design and Construction Management for hydraulic reservoir of Grupo Gloria Peru
SAXUM has been selected to deliver full engineering services for the development of a key hydraulic reservoir project in Macacará, located in La Huaca district, Sullana province, in the department of Piura, Peru. This region is one of the most seismically active zones in the country due to its proximity to the northern Mendaña fault line.
The project, known as “La Central”, includes the design and construction management support for a large-scale water reservoir with a storage capacity of 6 million cubic meters. The reservoir is formed by a perimeter dam approximately 2.8 kilometres’ long and 15 meters deep, intended to supply irrigation water to agricultural fields in the region.
SAXUM’s scope encompasses complete multidisciplinary engineering, including civil, structural, geotechnical, hydraulic, mechanical, piping, electrical, instrumentation, and control systems. The project also involves the design of water intake and desanding systems from the Chira River, a hydraulic interconnection with an existing reservoir, and infrastructure for discharge, spillways, and surface water control.
An important innovation in this project is the integration of a SCADA automation system, which will enable smart operation of the reservoir, efficient water management, and real-time monitoring of infrastructure conditions. This approach enhances long-term durability, optimizes maintenance efforts, and ensures early risk detection.
SAXUM’s technical services also support procurement and contracting processes, ensuring that the project meets high standards from design through execution. This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering sustainable and high-performance multidisciplinary engineering designs across Latin America.
New SAXUM Legal Entity and Office in the Province of Salta, Argentina
We are pleased to announce the official opening of our new office in Salta, Argentina, SAXUM Engineered Solutions S.A.S.
This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone in our long-term commitment to supporting the local mining industry and aligns with our mission to contribute to regional development across Argentina. The establishment of this new base will enhance our ability to comply with local regulations, respond more efficiently to the specific needs of the sector, and foster deeper engagement with communities throughout the region.
Through SAXUM Engineered Solutions S.A.S., we aim to strengthen our local presence by promoting the hiring of regional talent, supporting sustainable economic growth, and working closely with clients, partners, and authorities to deliver high-quality engineering and project management services.
This new entity is part of SAXUM, an international engineering group with operations in Argentina, the United States, Australia, and Brazil. Our team brings extensive experience in providing integrated, value-added services across the mining, metallurgical, and cement industries—covering mechanical, piping, civil, structural, electrical, instrumentation, and control engineering, as well as project and construction management.
Meet our Senior Project Manager, Nahi Khoury
Meet Nahi Khoury, SAXUM’s Senior Project Manager, whose strategic mindset and leadership are key to the successful execution of complex projects across the Americas. With a solid background in industrial and construction sectors, Nahi brings over 15 years of experience in full lifecycle project management, client engagement, and performance optimization.
Nahi has led multidisciplinary teams on high-impact projects throughout North and South America, consistently delivering results in line with business and operational goals. His professional strength lies in translating client needs into actionable strategies, optimizing workflows, and fostering collaboration between technical teams and stakeholders.
Known for his critical thinking and adaptability, Nahi thrives in dynamic environments—designing and executing project plans that meet rigorous timelines and budget constraints. His ability to navigate challenges and maintain alignment with client expectations has positioned him as a trusted advisor and project leader.
At SAXUM, Nahi plays a central role in coordinating large-scale engineering initiatives, drawing on his broad expertise in procurement, planning, and execution. His leadership ensures projects stay on track, while his focus on innovation and process re-engineering helps drive sustainable value for our clients.
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