Santiago, November 7, 2025 - Codelco and the Western Australia School of Mines, part of Australia's Curtin University, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the aim of exploring a strategic alliance to enhance research and development in underground mining.

The agreement, valid for 12 months from its signing, includes technical collaboration on issues of high relevance to the future of mining. These include research into the design and implementation of high-energy rock support systems, the development of mining methods under complex geotechnical conditions, and the study of the seismic response of large-scale geological discontinuities.

Curtin University boasts one of the world's most prestigious Mining Engineering faculties, WASM, recognized in 2025 as the fifth best on the planet according to the QS ranking, while Codelco leads underground copper mining with state-of-the-art operations and a solid technological innovation agenda.

The agreement includes the technical exchange of information and collaborative work between Chile and Australia, as well as the formation of a steering committee and a coordination team that will monitor progress and joint initiatives.

“This agreement reinforces our conviction that collaborative innovation is key to facing the challenges of the future of mining. Sharing knowledge and experiences with an institution of excellence like WASM will allow us to move towards solutions that increase the safety and sustainability of our underground operations,” highlighted Julio Díaz, Vice President of Mining Resources, Development and Innovation at Codelco.

“I am thrilled to have signed this Memorandum of Understanding, as it establishes the framework for us to work collaboratively on world-class rock mechanics research, which will contribute to improving the safety and reliability of the underground mining industry globally,” commented Mark Buntine, Dean of the Western Australia School of Mines.

This milestone is part of Codelco's strategy to drive mining innovation through partnerships with leading universities and research centers. Through these collaborations, the company aims to expand the frontiers of human knowledge, accelerate the development of new technologies, and strengthen its leadership in safer, more efficient, and more sustainable mining for Chile and the world.

Codelco