Codelco El Teniente Division has surpassed the annual goal for the recovery of end-of-life tires (ENDT). According to the final retirement report, the goal for 2024 was 1,611 tons and 1,634 tons have already been removed from its various industrial areas.

The achievement is part of the mining company's commitment to the Extended Producer Responsibility Law (REP Law), which promotes more sustainable waste management. This regulatory framework came into force on January 20, 2023, and requires tire producers and importers to meet collection and recovery targets.

The tires are taken to the plant of the company Arrigoni Ambiental NFU, in San Francisco de Mostazal, where they are processed and converted into four by-products: steel mesh (used in the steel industry), carbon black (for the cement industry), pyrolytic oil and pyrolytic gas (energy). Currently, the pyrolytic oil is being tested in the metallurgical laboratory in Colón, for its potential use in flotation processes.

Reuse and reintegrate materials

Eric San Martín, head of the Circular Economy Unit, explained that “it is important that El Teniente complies with current regulations. This effort is emblematic because it shows how a large company adopts a circular perspective regarding waste. It is not just about complying with the law, but about reusing and reintegrating materials into the processes.”

During 2023, the El Teniente Division exceeded its tire recovery goal, removing 822 tons compared to an initial goal of 806 tons. Since the start of the program, almost three thousand tons of used tires have been recovered. The goal for 2025 is to recover 1,450 more tons and reach 6,400 tons in 2028 tons.

Felipe Núñez, Head of Operations for the unit, added that “the industry, including our Division and Arrigoni, together with academia and universities, is developing technology and researching by-products. This collaboration reflects the circular economy approach, which encompasses economic, social and environmental (ESG) aspects, as well as governance that integrates all these sectors.”

Contributing to the circular economy

Thanks to a collaborative effort, the transport of the tires is carried out by the company Transporte Internacional Expreso (TIEx). While the tires are unloaded at the Arrigoni Ambiental NFU plant, where they are revalued through pyrolysis.

Claudio Tapia, TIEx contract manager, said: “Our company is responsible for classifying and transporting tires to the recycling company. It has been gratifying for us to be part of a larger purpose. It motivates us to reduce environmental liabilities and contribute to the circular economy. We are proud to be part of this chain.”

Tires, which are mainly made of rubber and petroleum, are purchased at a rate of 600 tons per year. At El Teniente, the main consumers are the vehicles used in the underground mine. At the end of their useful life, they are inspected by the Bailac company and stored at the mining company's Solid Waste Management Center (CMRIS), near Caletones.

Mauricio Bravo, deputy general manager of Arrigoni, said that “the Division has set itself demanding goals and as a company we meet expectations in planning, coordination, logistics and operations, which allows us to be a benchmark in NFU management.”