With more than 10 years of experience, Cesia is now a multi-functional operator and works in the Integrated Operations Center, CIO Room, in Rancagua.

What is your position about?

I arrived at the CIO Room as a hammer operator and came from the Sub 6 sector of the mine where I operated LHD loaders. Later, the management chose me to be trained as a multi-purpose operator. There I was trained as a LHD coordinator, which is the task I currently perform. We see the entire fleet of equipment in the mine. I am also trained in process control and road signage for the interior of the mine. There are dozens of vehicles that must be coordinated, understanding that the ADIT 71 road (the mine entrance tunnel) to the inside is one-way.

What do you like most about your job?

What I like most is that I have to find solutions all day long and help the head waiter. So we are always managing and that is what I like, having to interact with many people.

How did you come to work at El Teniente?

I come from Chuquicamata and I worked in the north as a contractor. I came here and my dream was always to work for El Teniente. I started working at Ferrostal as a prevention officer. Only two women entered and we knew that if we did well we would open doors. I remember a conversation I had with the mine manager, Rodrigo Andrades. He said to me, can you imagine when this place is full of women? So I said to him: boss, there are two of us. And today I look at the number of women in the mine and it makes me proud.

What area did you reach?

I was a Sub 6 LHD operator, but I worked with the trench lowerer, I was a puppy. I have been here in the CIO Room for 2 years and I am very grateful to the company.

What does your family think about the work you do?

I am fortunate that my husband also works in the mining industry and appreciates my work. And I have a grown son, who is 20 years old. He used to want to be a miner, but now he is studying to become a nursing technician. He always tells me that he is proud of me. I am short and when he saw me on the equipment he was surprised. I also have a niece who tells me that I am her role model. That is motivating.

What does working at Codelco mean to you?

For me it is a source of pride because I feel that all the effort we make when it is raining, when it is snowing, when we are in the highlands, benefits all the inhabitants of Chile. That is why I am proud to be part of a company that cares about its workers and about Chileans.

And what value do you place on security?

The most important thing, the main thing. We know that the most important thing is to return home safe and sound and that is why it is essential to carry out each task responsibly, following the procedures and exercising self-care.