“At one point I was out of work so I started sending out my CV and a week later I received a call. I came to Rancagua, I was alone for a while and then my family came: wife, four children and six grandchildren,” says the supervisor of the Mies company, who works at the Esmeralda mine in Codelco El Teniente Division.

What is your job about?

With the crew we provide the service of cleaning the curbs, so that the mechanics can enter and change the hammers inside the mine and not find rocks when carrying out their work.

We clean the area around the hammer so that they can take it out, change it or repair it in place. We also take care of the use of water, so that it reaches the curbs so that the hammers do not release too much dust and thus avoid pollution. We repair hoses, pipes and water leaks.

There are many things we must check before entering the work area, because the first thing is safety, verifying that the conditions in the shafts are adequate to carry out our work. There we have a formed culture and we function quite well.

How long have you been working at El Teniente?

As a contractor, I have been here in the division for 24 years and I am very proud. When I arrived, I started working here at the sinking level, in fortification, advancement and development. It has been very pleasant for me. I worked on the railroad for 15 years and did some work at Diablo Regimiento.

I have been in Esmeralda for two years, which is a very large mine, very interesting and moving quite fast, so we have to be alert. But I feel good, there are good people here.

What do you like most about your job?

I like to share, to teach people. A lot of young people come here, there is a change of heart and I like that. I have always said that those who do good, do well and I like what I do.

How would you describe these years at El Teniente?

It's been a great opportunity. For me, personally, it's been very good and I've also been able to support my children and my family. I have job stability that can't be compared to anywhere else. It's been very meaningful for me to be here for a large part of my life.

What does it mean to you to work at El Teniente?
I am proud to work at the El Teniente mine, regardless of being a contractor. I am proud to have completed a period here in the Division and I would like to always be remembered.

Does it make any special sense to you to know that the work you do is so that Codelco can generate surpluses that go to all Chileans?

I feel good about that, because Codelco is a fundamental piece for the country, in contributions to infrastructure, in health, that excites me.