Chilean copper giant Codelco is undertaking significant investments to enhance its sustainability credentials in response to increasing pressure from global clients for environmentally responsible mining practices. This effort includes the introduction of electric buses, the establishment of cactus nurseries, and initiatives to recycle metal materials and tools.
As the world’s largest copper producer, Codelco is focusing its green initiatives at its flagship El Teniente mine, located 75 km south of Santiago, which is recognized as the largest underground copper mine globally. The company’s push for sustainability is partly a public relations strategy to improve its image, as customers demand greater traceability and eco-friendliness in the copper used for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
Codelco CEO Ruben Alvarado emphasized the growing insistence on sustainable practices, referencing certifications like “The Copper Mark,” which signifies a commitment to responsible mining.
However, experts caution that the actual environmental benefits of these initiatives remain uncertain. Copper mining is known for its high water usage, and the waste produced can contain heavy metals, while light pollution from mining operations disrupts the pristine night skies of the Andean region.
As part of its green efforts, Codelco has converted a fleet of around 100 electric buses from diesel to transport workers from the nearby city of Rancagua, aiming to reduce CO2 emissions by approximately 3,000 tons annually. These electric buses also contribute to improved air quality within the mine tunnels.
Additionally, Codelco is implementing systems to recycle recovered metal components for reuse in mining operations, despite the higher costs associated with transportation for recycling.
The company is collaborating with the government to establish a nursery and research center focused on producing native plant species, including endangered local cacti, to rehabilitate areas affected by mining waste.
Ivan Quiroz, head of the Mediterranean Ecosystems Research Center, stated the goal of producing one million native plants to assist in the recovery of tailings and stabilize the environment.