Greening the Future of Mining in Chile

Chile, with its vast copper and lithium reserves, is emerging as a key player in the global energy transition. According to the latest news,

mining giants plan to invest billions of dollars in Chile over the next decade to cope with the surge in demand for copper and lithium due

 to the spread of clean energy technologies. However, Chile knows that sustainable mining is key to realising its contribution to climate change.

Chile's Minister of Mines, Aurora Williams, recently emphasised that ‘the mining industry must take responsibility and we want the market to be

 judged by our green performance.’ This statement highlights Chile's determination to promote sustainable development in the mining industry.

The National Copper Company (Codelco), a leading company in the Chilean mining sector, is leading a green revolution. By 2030, Codelco will 

have achieved 100 per cent renewable energy for its electricity supply, thanks to new contracts with a number of well-known power companies.

 In addition, a major desalination project has been launched that will provide a stable source of water for the northern plant, alleviating the 

pressure of water stress in the Atacama Desert region.

Codelco is not only working on energy and water resources, but also on improving the social and environmental impact of its mining operations. 

The company has been awarded the Copper Mark certification, which symbolises the most responsible production practices in the global copper

 industry, and these certifications are an important part of our commitment to sustainability that we are demonstrating to our customers,’ 

said Ruben Alvarado, Codelco's CEO. ’

As the international community's concern for climate change and environmental protection grows, Codelco is also actively positioning itself in

 the lithium market. The company plans to further consolidate its leading position in the lithium industry by acquiring the Chilean operations of

 SQM, the world's largest lithium producer. The deal will not only expand lithium production, but will also incorporate desalinated water technology 

and new direct extraction methods to significantly reduce the environmental impact of the mining process.

To achieve safer mining operations, Codelco is actively promoting the use of automation and remote control systems. At the El Teniente copper

 mine, this transformation is already bearing fruit, with remote operation of vehicles, processing plants and railways significantly reducing safety risks 

for workers. The mine has also introduced electric buses and electric semi-automatic underground loaders (LHDs), contributing to reduced carbon

 emissions and improved air quality. The introduction of these electric devices is not only environmentally friendly, but also promotes local employment

 and industry, as exemplified by the electric buses converted by local company Reborn.

In addition, the El Teniente copper mine has implemented a comprehensive recycling programme that has resulted in the reuse of more than half of

 its non-hazardous waste. The recycling of materials such as steel bolts not only reduces resource waste but also promotes a circular economy.

The green transformation of Chile's mining industry is not only a positive response to the global energy transition, but also a profound commitment 

to its own sustainable development. Through technological innovation and model upgrading, Chile is gradually polishing its mining industry's ‘green

 credentials’, setting a model of sustainable development for the global mining industry.