What is your job about?

I operate the LHD equipment used to extract ore in the mine. I also do escorting, which is the transport of heavy equipment, and also “cachorrear”, which is secondary reduction (breaking up large rocks so they can be transported).

How do you determine which task you will be assigned to perform?

Every day when we arrive at the mine, we have a safety talk and they also tell us what work we will have to do that day.

Do you remember how you got to the Division?

After I took a mining fortification course, I sent my CV to Codelco in Santiago. They called me there and told me that they were going to recruit women for a project to work in the mine and asked me if I was interested. I said yes, of course, and it turned out to be the first apprenticeship program. With the women who entered, we were the pioneers.

They gave us classes, we had a training period and then I arrived at the mine. I am happy, I love what I do, I really like it and I come to work with great enthusiasm.

I had always wanted to work here, and that's why I wanted to study mining fortification. I wanted to join Codelco because it's a well-known company and I'm very impressed by the work that's done here. Being up there operating these big machines changes your perception a lot when you're in the cabin.

What do you like most about your job?

This month I'll be celebrating my third year here and I love being here. What I like most is operating the shovel, I'm really drawn to the machines. I'm also currently involved in the Automine project (remote operation of equipment, remote control). I'm the first woman in my area to be involved in this and I'm happy to be evolving.

What does it mean to you to be a woman in mining operations?

It was a change. I used to work in a casino, I had to always be clean, so it was a sudden change, although I knew what I was getting into. And there, too, the majority were men, so in that aspect at least, it wasn't so different and it wasn't difficult for me.

My family is happy that I am here. They always tell me to take care of myself. My three children are happy that their mother works at El Teniente. When I show them videos, they ask me many questions, especially now with the Automine system.

What does it mean to you to work for a company like Codelco, which delivers its surpluses to all Chileans?

I am happy to work here and produce for everyone, for my family and for others.