As part of its commitment to sustainable development, Codelco División El Teniente arrived in the Canal del Cerro sector to support the Rinconada de Doñihue Canal Workers Association with tools and machinery such as a motor pump and a pressure washer.

The initiative, which is part of a collaboration agreement between the mining company and the canal operators to maintain the operation of the watercourse that was affected by the climate emergency last August, benefits 120 residents.

The president of the association, Mauricio Blanco, explained the importance of this action. “We had problems with the climatic system and with this contribution from Codelco we will be able to have a large part of the canal line. There are more than 480 hectares that are irrigated by this system and without the support of El Teniente, we would not be in a position to finance the works,” he said.

The canal, which stretches for more than four kilometres from the La Puntilla sector to the Oratorio de Rinconada de Doñihue, suffered landslides and obstructions due to the rains, so its cleaning and recovery has been a priority.

Supporting the continuity of water resources

Since the beginning of its operations in the area, the Division has maintained a direct relationship with the canal operators of Rinconada de Doñihue, a collaboration that has been strengthened since the declaration of water shortage in the area.

The director of Community Development of El Teniente, Cristián Sanhueza, explained that “in an agricultural region, the canals and their associations are key to the good use of water resources. This agreement has allowed us to support the cleaning of canals and improve water circulation to support family farming activities and promote sustainable economic development in the sector.”

The water from the Canal del Cerro is used by the residents for agriculture and livestock. “At home, we use the water for flowers and fruit trees. For us, it is very important that it is in good condition to continue with the irrigation that benefits the entire community,” explained Guillermo Vidal, a resident of the area.

Rolando Becerra, who also lives in the area, added that “this water is important because we use it for irrigation, for animals, for everything. Without water we do nothing. We are already in harvest season, and the canal should already be running. So it is important that these agreements are made, to recover the water, which is the most important thing for us.”

The collaboration agreement is part of the Sustainable Development Policy of Codelco El Teniente Division, whose objective is to contribute to a better future for communities and the country, contributing to social development, economic growth and environmental protection.