In May 2023, Codelco's Ventanas Smelter stopped its operations. Since then, the Logistics and Materials Supply areas have worked to manage the remnants of the closure, with a special focus on the management of working capital and other inputs specific to the smelting process.

Fabiola Araya, Administration Manager, shared details on how these resources were managed. "We had more than 100 tons of remaining supplies stored, which we finally managed to sell at a price slightly above cost, which prevented financial losses for the Division."

On the other hand, the Division has also successfully managed the so-called “circulating” concept that groups together different types of solid material resulting from the smelting process, and that can still be used in reprocessing for copper extraction. “Circulating material is a reprocessing that should not exist if recovery were equal to smelting yield,” explained Araya. “However, due to operational restrictions due to environmental conditions, this material gradually accumulated and we have now managed to sell it successfully.”

The sale of secondary material was a notable success. Through a bidding process with the Vice-Presidency of Marketing, 6,500 tons of fine copper were sold. "We obtained an excellent price, with a lower than average copper deduction, which demonstrates the quality of the material sold," said the Administration Manager.

A CHALLENGE FOR THE LOGISTICS AREA

The Logistics area of the Administration Department played an essential role in both the management of inputs and cash in hand. Fabiola Araya highlighted that, despite being a small area with a lot of staff turnover due to the labor transition process, it has responded effectively to the new demands. "Our team has handled everything, from the dispatch of cathodes to the management of cash in hand and the Enami concentrate that continues to be received, demonstrating a total commitment to the Division's objectives."

This process, which is still under development with the weekly dispatch of trucks, has not only helped to optimize resources, but also fulfilled one of Codelco Ventanas' key commitments: to ensure that all remaining materials from the smelter closure were managed efficiently and responsibly. "We are fulfilling what we promised to do, eliminating risks and contributing to the future of our Division," concluded Araya.