Codelco El Teniente Division, in collaboration with the University of O'Higgins, inaugurated a pilot sustainability plan, aimed at transforming educational spaces through the circular economy. This project, which positively impacts more than 930 students, has materialized in the renovation of infrastructure and the implementation of educational workshops at the Manitos Creativas Kindergarten in the Las Cabras commune, in the O'Higgins region, and at the Sara Troncoso High School, in the Alhué commune, Metropolitan region.

The initiative promotes sustainable education through the collection and revaluation of waste with the collaboration of educators, students and families. Specifically, it seeks to transform recycled materials into improvements for schools. In parallel, workshops on circular economy and sustainability have been developed.

“You recycle, I transform”

In this framework, representatives of Codelco El Teniente, the Municipality of Las Cabras, parents and children inaugurated the project “You recycle, I transform” in the Manitos Creativas kindergarten, by opening a renovated play area with a roof, blackboards, a bicycle track, sensory paths and a sustainable garden.

Maggye Castro, head of the kindergarten, said that “this new sector is very significant. The opportunity to build with the children allows us to instill circular thinking. We realize that it is leaving a mark on them and their families regarding the care of their environment.”

Juan Pablo Flores, mayor of Las Cabras, said that “this is a very important milestone, where children are taught to recycle from a young age, it is a spectacular job. This support gives importance to the community, it provides added value. It helps people feel that Codelco is present throughout Chile, especially in these corners, far from the urban area.”

Promote environmental education

In Alhué, meanwhile, the progress of the plan was presented at the Sara Troncoso High School, which included the covering of an integration room and new furniture. In addition, the Explora science group, made up of students, shared their experience in workshops at the Hacienda Loncha Experimental Farm, where they have developed a project based on the study of the use of clear water from Carén in agriculture.

Verónica Vilches, director of the educational establishment, said that they are “happy with the progress, we feel a visible support for the students. As a high school, we want to be a bridge within the community, to show that the circular economy is ultimately a way of life to generate stability and sustainability for their own children, for the future generation.”

Triple value and 2030 commitments

Eric San Martín, head of the Circular Economy Unit at El Teniente, highlighted that “the objective is to promote recycling and the circular economy, transforming waste into useful resources. In addition, a series of workshops have been held with students. The program seeks to fulfill two missions: to strengthen the circular economy within the Division and to expand it to the communities.”

Hector Castillo, interim manager of Sustainability and External Affairs at El Teniente, explained that “this project is part of the triple value that we seek as a Division. The materials, which are considered waste, are revalued and given a new use to improve the infrastructure of nearby communities. We believe that it is a great achievement, since it contributes directly to the classroom and education, establishing a link that influences students.”

This project is part of the sustainability commitments that Codelco signed in six areas for 2030. Currently, the El Teniente Division recycles more than half of its operational waste and aims to reach 65% recycling at its sites by the end of the decade.