Santiago, September 11, 2025.- In compliance with the commitment made after the accident that occurred on July 31 at the El Teniente Division, Codelco's board of directors announced the final formation of the International Experts Group (IEG), whose mission is to carry out an independent and exhaustive evaluation of the technical, operational, human, cultural and organizational factors related to the accident.

As is already public knowledge, the IEG will be led by Australian Mark Cutifani, a renowned global mining executive who visited our country in recent weeks to hold meetings with Codelco workers and teams. His visit, which included a tour of the El Teniente accident site, marked the beginning of the work he will carry out in conjunction with three other highly experienced experts, whose backgrounds are detailed below:

• Eduardo Bartolomeo is a Brazilian executive with more than three decades of experience in mining, logistics, and infrastructure. He served as CEO of Vale from 2019 to 2024 and led the company's cultural and operational transformation following the Brumadinho tragedy, focusing on safety, operational excellence, and a new social compact. Previously, he led Base Metals in Canada and worked in logistics and commodity integration in Brazil, where he created the Vale Production System (VPS), a key element in safety and productivity. He is currently a director of Boston Metal and an international leader in crisis management and mining transformation.

• Vivianne Blanlot Soza is a Chilean economist with a Master's degree in Applied Economics from American University. She served as Chile's Minister of Defense (2006–2007), Executive Secretary of the National Energy Commission, and Executive Director of the National Environmental Commission (Conama). In the private sector, she has served on the boards of companies such as Colbún, Antofagasta Minerals, CMPC, and Aguas Andinas, where she chaired sustainability, regulatory, and audit committees. Recognized as a leader in energy, environment, and governance, she is also involved with Comunidad Mujer and Athena Lab.
• Tony O'Neill , an Australian mining engineer, has over 45 years of international experience in mining and was CEO of Anglo American (2013–2022), where he led the FutureSmart Mining™ program, a pioneer in digitalization, precision mining, and decarbonization. He spearheaded improvements worth over US$2 billion annually, promoted the first ultra-class hydrogen-powered mining truck, and implemented flagship projects in Peru, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Today, he advises major companies, for example, having worked with Newmont and Vale on asset reviews, and is a board member of Woodside Energy.

Scope of work

The group of experts will conduct an independent and comprehensive assessment of the technical, operational, human, cultural, and organizational factors related to the accident, including the effectiveness of Codelco's safety management systems, current protocols, and response actions. Their work will include a technical review of site designs and conditions, interviews with workers and contractors, analysis of emergency and crisis management protocols, and an assessment of organizational culture.

The process will be carried out in stages, including on-site visits, remote meetings, document reviews, and the preparation of final reports, with proposals for structural and operational improvements to strengthen the safety, resilience, and efficiency of mining operations.

Máximo Pacheco, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Codelco, stated that “the international expert assessment will provide us with guidelines for the new normal, not just for El Teniente, but hopefully for our entire mining operation and our organization. Along with this, we will continue implementing the Safe and Progressive Return Plan at El Teniente, which includes the gradual and authorized restart of operations by authorities such as Sernageomin and the Labor Directorate, in addition to active collaboration in the various ongoing investigations that will clarify the causes of the accident and strengthen the safety culture at our Corporation.”

Codelco