“I have been working at the Integrated Operations Centre (CIO) for a year, but before that I was at the mine for more than 10 years, in the Sewell Pit, as a heavy machinery operator, transporting the mineral,” she says. Although she continues as an operator today, she defines her role as a dispatcher, at the El Teniente technological centre located in Rancagua, from where a large part of the operation is controlled remotely.

What is your job about?

My job is related to production. I am in charge of moving the equipment for loading and unloading the mineral. My shift starts at 6 in the morning, to distribute the equipment for loading the mineral, basically front loaders and bulldozers. Our shift system is 4x4, two days of day and two at night.

Among the dispatcher's duties, I must also answer the radio to the operators and whoever needs it, because we have interaction with smaller equipment such as vans, so we must be alert. We also coordinate with the Link company, to make the movement of the operators during the collation.

How did you get to the Division?
I was unemployed and one day I heard about the insertion of women into the workforce, so I started to find out. Through SENCE I found out that there were training courses and I joined the Mujer Minera program, where I learned how to use jumbo machines (drilling machines) for underground mines. While I was in that process, they gave me the opportunity to apply to Codelco.

I studied secretarial work, I never imagined I would end up here. I started working in the mining industry when I was 44. I never thought I would have this great opportunity and I am excited because I am very grateful. It is a completely radical change, both for me and for those around me.

When my family found out I got this job, they couldn't believe it. My dad was a truck driver all his life and I don't think he ever imagined I would end up working here, much less in a truck bigger than the one he drove.

It has been a wonderful experience. It's been almost twelve years and I feel like I'm in another stage of my life, where everything I've experienced excites me, I'm happy with life.

What do you like most about your job?

Interaction with colleagues from another perspective. Here I got to know the other areas of production as well, which has been wonderful.

How do you feel being a female miner?

For me, being in the mining industry was something unthinkable. It has been a wonderful personal achievement. I was raised in the old-fashioned way, with the idea that it was impossible for a woman to enter the mine, so breaking those myths seems spectacular to me.

What has El Teniente brought to your life?

Everything I am as a female miner, I learned here in the El Teniente Division.

What safety advice would you give to the Division's workers?

It is important that we rest and sleep the necessary hours. We have to think that every day there is family waiting for us at home, so we should always be aware of the conditions of the environment.

What does it mean to you to work at Codelco, a company that delivers its surpluses to all Chileans?

What we generate here is to help create schools, hospitals and improve conditions at the national level. I find it extraordinary to be part of that contribution through my work and what I deliver.