Ellis Patents has secured an order to supply its Vulcan+ cable cleats for installation in an $800million desalination plant being built as part of the $2.5billion expansion of BHP’s Spence copper mine in Chile’s Atacama desert.

Ellis’ Vulcan+ cable cleats are amongst the North Yorkshire company’s most popular products; and were specified by BHP due to their exceptional corrosion resistant properties, which were seen as vital due to the project’s proximity to the sea and the high salt content of the air around the plant.

Kelly Brown, Ellis’ export sales manager, said: “Latin America is noted for being one of the hardest export markets to break into, but the success we’re enjoying there pays testament to our tried and tested method of fully researching a new market before entering it.” “Unlike other regions we took the decision early on to appoint a locally based business development manager; Gabriela Castro-Fontoura; who has built up a strong network of distributors from her base in Uruguay, and is now enjoying a string of significant specifications.”

The BHP Spence salination plant order was won by Santiago-based distributor, Teprem, and will see Ellis’ cable cleats used to secure 69kV electrical cables throughout the plant. Manufactured in 316L stainless steel, Ellis’ Vulcan+ cleats are designed and manufactured at the company’s Rillington headquarters and provide ultimate corrosion protection, even in the harshest of environments.

They also ensure cables remain secure and operational during any short-circuit incident. Quick and easy to install, they feature integral LSF zero halogen polymeric liners and base pads that protect and cushion cables during short circuit conditions.

Once desalinated the fresh water will be transported 150km through a newly built conveyance system to the BHP Spence mine. The project is the result of increasing concerns about water shortages affecting the copper mining industry in Chile.