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UCN awarded advanced TESCAN TIMA X equipment to strengthen regional scientific research

UCN awarded advanced TESCAN TIMA X equipment to strengthen regional scientific research

The award of this automated electron microscopy instrument is a milestone for northern Chile, enabling high-resolution mineralogical analysis and strengthening applied science.

MAINI and SQM Sign Strategic Lithium Research Agreement

MAINI and SQM Sign Strategic Lithium Research Agreement

Universidad Católica del Norte and SQM formalize a framework agreement for applied research to optimize lithium extraction and purification from brines.

Scientific Equipment Unit

Applied science from the heart of the desert

MAINI stands as the most complete analytical platform in northern Chile. We integrate frontier equipment (TIMA-X, LA-ICP-MS, NMR) with a specialized human team to provide precise solutions for mining, energy, and materials science.

8+

Years of Expertise

ISO

9001 / 14001

Instalaciones MAINI

UCN Antofagasta

Campus Angamos

Llankay Building, Pavilion X11

Services by Segment

Tailored solutions for researchers, companies, and public organizations

Concentrate and Tailings Characterization

Problem

You need to assess metallurgical recovery, identify losses in tails, or characterize legacy tailings with revalorization potential.

Technology

Combination of ICP-MS for trace elemental analysis, XRD for phase identification and QEMSCAN for mineral distribution.

Result

Detailed metallurgical balance, loss identification, and process optimization proposals for concentration circuits.

Mineral Liberation Studies

Problem

Grind size directly affects recovery: you need quantitative data to define the optimal degree without over-grinding.

Technology

Automated particle analysis with TESCAN TIMA-X, quantifying liberation per mineral phase and size class.

Result

Liberation curves per mineral and per particle size, with recommendations for adjusting the comminution circuit.

Automated Quantitative Mineralogy

Problem

You need precise knowledge of the mineralogical composition, liberation degree and phase distribution of your ore samples to optimize metallurgical processes.

Technology

Automated FE-SEM/EDS with high-throughput EDS detectors. Quantitative modal analysis with micrometric resolution.

Result

Complete mineralogical report: modal composition, liberation degree, mineral associations and phase distribution maps.

Plan Your Visit

User Information

Sample Reception Schedule

Administration and Delivery

Mon - Tue - Wed - Fri09:00 – 16:30
Thursday
09:00 – 11:3014:30 – 16:30

Requirements

For sample submission

  • Correctly labeled samples
  • Clean and sealed containers
  • Approved Web Request (Mandatory)
  • Samples must meet the requirements of the specific analysis

What our partners say

Testimonials from professionals who have worked with us

"

Se agradece su compromiso hacia nuestros requerimientos

Altonorte
"

El MAINI entiende las prioridades de la empresa y responde en los plazos requeridos

SQM Litio
"

MAINI UCN realiza un servicio de calidad

Molyb

Partners

ANID
UCN
BHP
SQM
Altonorte
Molyb
Latest News

UCN awarded advanced TESCAN TIMA X equipment to strengthen regional scientific research

The award of this automated electron microscopy instrument is a milestone for northern Chile, enabling high-resolution mineralogical analysis and strengthening applied science.

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Logo MAINI

Scientific Equipment Unit of Universidad Católica del Norte. Applied science for industry and research in northern Chile.

Certifications

ISO 9001:2015ISO 14001:2015
Universidad Católica del Norte
Acreditación Institucional

Contact

Maini® — Scientific Equipment Unit
Universidad Católica del Norte
Avda. Angamos 0610
Llankay Building, Pavilion X11
Antofagasta, Chile

Mon-Tue-Wed-Fri: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Thursday: 9:00–11:30 AM and 2:30–4:30 PM

direccion.maini@ucn.cl

contacto.maini@ucn.cl

(+56) 55 2651637

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