As part of the opening of Codelco División El Teniente assets to the community, nearly 40 representatives of the “Dulce Atardecer” senior citizen group from Alhué participated in a learning and recreational day, during which they toured Hacienda Cauquenes, the Mediterranean Ecosystems Research Center (CEIEM) and the El Teniente Stadium.

Cristián Sanhueza, Community Development Director at El Teniente, explained that “these visits are part of our territorial development strategy, designed to promote the active participation of local communities. By opening our divisional assets, we not only encourage recreation, but we also strengthen ties with neighbors, allowing them to enjoy and learn about key spaces.”

This action is part of Codelco's Community Visits Program, which in 2024 allowed more than 29 thousand people to access different heritage spaces. The plan seeks to strengthen the link between the community and the company, promoting learning and connection with the environment.

An approach to sustainability

During the day, visitors toured Hacienda Cauquenes, home of the Mediterranean Ecosystems Research Center (CEIEM), created through an agreement between the Division and the Forestry Institute (INFOR). This institution is dedicated to the research and reproduction of forest species in danger of conservation, as well as the production of various native species of the sclerophyllous forest, which contributes to the strengthening and preservation of Mediterranean ecosystems.

Ivan Quiroz, administrator of the agreement between INFOR and Codelco, explained that “environmental education is fundamental for us. This year we are reinforcing our activities, with the goal of receiving 3,000 people at the center. In addition, we are in the process of creating a forest school to be inaugurated in June and which will promote local biodiversity.”

Meanwhile, Nelly Maldonado Reyes, a resident of the Dulce Atardecer group in Alhué, said that “visiting the farm was an incredible experience. What I liked most was the visit to the nursery, since I have a great passion for plants. I was even able to get some seeds that I will keep very carefully.”

Explore the history of the region

In the afternoon, the Alhuinos visited the historic El Teniente Stadium, where they learned about its mining legacy and enjoyed a recreational space. Manuel Rodríguez, a resident of the commune, said that “this visit has been a very nice experience. All the places we visited impressed me, especially the stadium, which is large and imposing.”

With this experience, it is hoped that the residents of Alhué will not only get to know iconic places in the O'Higgins region, but will also strengthen their ties with the natural, historical and sporting heritage of Codelco División El Teniente.