Codelco El Teniente Division presented its Innovation Management Model, with a focus on sustainable development and the mining of the future. The activity, which took place in the context of the last Expo Minería Sur, highlighted 49 active innovation projects and addressed the purpose, methodology, prioritization, as well as success stories in the industry.

Ignacio Cruz, Innovation Director at El Teniente, said that “our presentation had three main themes: why, how and what we do. We innovate to face the challenges of the future and ensure the viability of the Division. Innovation is crucial for the safety of people and to increase production under new conditions.”

With an emphasis on the triple corporate value, the copper company's main strategic focuses were highlighted, including high-effort underground mining, increased metallurgical recovery, tailings management and electromobility.

"The purpose of the Directorate is to make mining viable in the future, seeking triple social, environmental and economic value. The industry is undergoing changes and faces several challenges. We seek to adapt our way of operating to guarantee sustainable mining in the future," he added.

To achieve these projects, the Division has promoted an open innovation model, through the articulation of incremental challenges and collaboration agreements with universities, research centers and other actors in the mining sector.

“Mining of the future”

During the day, the focus of 49 active projects in the management of Plants; Mines; Mining Works; Mining Resources and Development; Dams, Tailings and Water Resources; Plant Maintenance, and Services and Supplies were advanced.

Samu Cortés, an engineer from El Teniente's Innovation Department, said that "this participation not only allows us to show advances in automation, robotization and electromobility, but also strengthens our position as leaders in mining innovation."

Among other initiatives, the exhibition presented the experience of successfully testing recycled cobalt sulphate to obtain copper cathodes. The additive, extracted from used cell phone batteries, was used at the El Teniente Hydrometallurgy Plant and reduced the cost of the catalytic element by 22% with shorter times and impacts and without affecting production.

Also the EMMR (External Mill Maintenance Robot), a robotic arm for changing mill linings through the automated removal and installation of nuts and bolts, which allows workers to be removed from the exposure line.

The implementation of electric buses and vehicles was also highlighted, including the fleet of 104 machines for passenger transport, which have saved 1,100,000 liters of fuel and avoided 2,800 tons of CO2 emissions per year.

In addition, during the three days of ExpoMinería Sur, attendees had the opportunity to learn about various innovative projects: drones that improve safety in the mine, eco-bricks made from tailings and recycled materials, and an advanced model for monitoring water pipelines.

“The adoption of new technologies not only improves the safety of our workers, but also optimizes operational processes, reduces costs and minimizes our environmental impact. In an environment as demanding as that of underground mining, innovation is a key tool,” Cortés explained.