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Chile is the largest producer of copper worldwide, where CODELCO, a state-owned enterprise, generates 10% of the global production of this metal. In 2015, the copper mining industry faced significant challenges due to price fluctuations, reaching a minimum of US$ 2.49 per pound. As a result, the cost of operations began to gain greater importance and was highlighted as an important factor to consider. Not oblivious to the, CODELCO faces the uncertainties of time while seeking to maintain its position in the global market. This article reports how the copper company decided to embark on a different and sustainable path over time: it developed a management system based on Lean methodology to enhance continuous improvement. The outcome is a system called C+ consisting of a set of disciplines, practices, and tools that have improved the company's management. After years of effort and implementation, the state-owned company managed to establish a new way of doing things, leading it to be recognized in May 2023 by the Shingo Institute at the University of Utah (United States). This recognition made it the world's first mining company to receive this award for excellence in organizational culture. It is an achievement that fuels the ongoing effort for continuous improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining industry faces diverse challenges to maintain sustainable production, particularly regarding critical water and energy supplies. As a significant player in the copper mining industry, Chile has become a global reference. Therefore, this research analyses the distinct challenges of the Chilean copper mining industry in terms of water and energy. We also identified ten key challenges that the Chilean copper mining industry must address to remain competitive and relevant. Several mining companies were examined to review and understand the different types of Environmental Management Initiatives (EMIs) adopted. The most prevailing strategies involved implementing Environmental Management Systems, which allow organisations to define, implement, and track their specific goals and standards. This review acknowledged four relevant water-related initiatives, including seawater use, community strategic plans, general environmental monitoring programs, and water recycling and recirculation systems. In terms of energy, the key initiatives included energy efficiency projects, the use of Non-Conventional Renewable Energy (NCRE), and mine process optimisation. The benefits of implementing EMIs are multiple, with the most relevant being ensuring continuous operation, cost reduction, and improved Social License to Operate (SLO) outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Throughout the last decades the developments on desalination field have been focused on energy consumption and costs reduction. However, water recovery and brine disposal are becoming a matter of concern to desalination industry. In this work, a Zero Liquid Discharge (ZLD) unit coupled with a Solar Micro Gas Turbine (SMGT) system is presented to address, among others, the challenges of mining industry in remote areas, in particular, fossil fuel dependence, water availability and pollution derived from effluents disposal. As a way to assess the feasibility of the proposal, a techno-economic analysis of the application in two Southern American regions (Chile and Ecuador) of photovoltaic modules, wind turbines and Solar Micro Gas Turbines is performed. Afterwards, the main novel feature of the new system—i.e., the ZLD unit—is described and a sensitivity analysis on its functioning whilst coupled with the SMGT is carried out. The aim is to propose a preliminary design of the ZLD process. The selection of the optimal ratio between exhaust gases and brine mass flow rates is analyzed, as well as variation in inlet salinity and temperatures. Furthermore, the water which could be recovered from effluents, at the same time that the heat of exhaust gases from SMGT is harvested, is quantified. Lastly, according to the results obtained, a preliminary design of a 10 kWe rated power SMGT system, coupled to Reverse Osmosis (RO) and ZLD units, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study is to examine the incidence of economic activity on soft innovation in the mining sector. Through a global analysis of indirect incidents and using the theory of forgotten effects. Thus, the case of the mining industry in Chile was analyzed, given that it is one of the industries that contributes the most to GDP in Chile. The empirical study was carried out through the application of a structured survey towards three experts from the mining sector. In addition, the study concludes with evidence that oil price has a direct incidence on investments in mining and economic expectations, and indirectly in average income middle managers, market share of the company in the mining sector, and growth of imports and exports in the mining sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This work presents a multi-objective optimization approach to designing integrated water supply systems for the mining industry. The main goal is to estimate the total operational costs and greenhouse gas emissions from water supply systems. Chilean mining industry has been selected as a case study because of acute problem of water scarcity that it experiences. The current strategy to face the problem applied by the mining companies operating in Chile consists in building independent water supply systems that use ocean as the source of water. This solution is highly energy intensive, which is why the problem of water consumption is also a problem of energy consumption. The proposed optimization approach determines - from technical, economic and environmental perspective - the optimal topology of the system, optimal locations and sizes of water treatment plants, pumping stations, and pipelines. In addition, the analysis takes into account the eventual use of photovoltaic solar system in order to decrease greenhouse gas emissions. Our main findings have demonstrated that an integrated water supply system is always the best option from an economic and environmental point of view. Highlights • A new optimization approach to designing integrated water supply systems is presented. • The trade-off between economic and environmental aspects of the system is assessed. • The results show that an integrated system is always the best option. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The energy demand in Chile arises mostly from mining, its largest industry that accounts for about 35% of total electricity consumption. Energy generation to satisfy this demand depends completely on imported fossil fuels. As a result, the mining industry faces several energy related challenges. In particular, the cost and environmental impact of fuel sources are threatening the competitiveness of the industry and urge for new developments. In that regard, the importance of using clean and cost-competitive renewable energy sources has increased significantly in Chile and several government policies helped to increase the investment in them. The impact has been particularly large in the development of solar energy in the northern part of the country, where almost all mines are located. In fact, the country has become one of the largest solar markets in Latin America thanks to its abundant solar resources, favorable market conditions, and successful policy reforms. Solar energy then, could play a significant role as an alternative to satisfy the mining industry's energy demand offering a broad range of technological solutions. This study examines the key issues -barriers and drivers- influencing the adoption of solar technologies in the Chilean mining industry from the perspective of mining actors. As a result of the analysis the paper also provides a scope for appropriate policy interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fly‐in/fly‐Out (FIFO) or, drive‐in/drive‐out (DIDO) labour system is a long‐distance commuting work arrangement to attract workers towards remote mineral or fossil fuel extraction areas, where they work in shifts and then return to their usual place of residence located in a different region. Along with more and cheaper transportation alternatives, the use of FIFO/DIDO systems have importantly increased in last decades around the world, which has translated to FIFO/DIDO systems operating even when already established cities are present in extractive regions. This paper uses the case of Chile, one of the most important mining countries in the world, to explore whether and in what extent these labor systems influence wage compensations. We find that FIFO/DIDO commuters obtain an average wage compensation of 2.4 per cent per commuted hour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work is to show a methodological proposal for the analysis of soil intervention values in mine tailings in order to determine the intervention requirements in the commune of Andacollo in northern Chile. The purpose of this analysis is to guide the intervention policies of both private and public organizations. The evaluation method is based on the Dutch legislation. The usability of the proposed methods depends on the available geochemical data from soil samples; in particular, we tackle the case when information regarding clay percentage in the soil is not available. We use the concepts of a threshold factor and an adjusted threshold factor to calculate a weighted intervention ranking. In order to illustrate the utility of this methodological proposal, a case study is carried out with the prescribed approach. In particular, this work presents an analysis of the elements of environmental significance related to the mining activity (Hg, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr) in the commune of Andacollo, Coquimbo Region, Chile. The analyzed samples are used to determine where the intervention of tailing deposits is necessary and where a solution to these environmental liabilities is required as soon as possible. Out of the 81 samples evaluated, it was found that 18 require a potential intervention, and of these samples, seven of them are associated with abandoned tailings that, in some cases, are located close to the town center itself, one sample is associated with active tailings and the other 10 with inactive tailings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mining industry represents more than half of Chile’s foreign exchange earnings and its increasing expansion will demand a continuous development of its energy supplies. Mostly, all the mines in Chile are located in the desert regions, having a large surface with one of the highest solar radiations levels and clearest skies in the world. Covering the mining industry’s energy demand with solar energy is thus an obvious and promising approach. In this paper, the implementation of solar thermal heating is studied in every mining process and the solar thermal electricity generation for the entire mine demand is considered as well. The work concludes that the installation of flat plate collectors to heat water for mine processes, especially for electrowinning, is strongly recommended. Additionally, the installation of solar thermal power plants can satisfy the mining electricity demand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conceptual innovation with respect to the enclave concept has been virtually absent compared with industry agglomerations. This is despite the fact that some varieties of agglomeration distinguished in the literature appear to come close to what previously were regarded as industrial enclaves and despite frequent allusions to the enclave nature of economic spaces produced by contemporary processes of globalization. Bringing the literature on agglomeration and enclaves into dialogue, we revisit the concept of the enclave-a concept that has been largely neglected since it enjoyed a popularity in connection with the study of particular (notably extractive) industries and particular (notably dependencia) theories of national economic development during the 1960s and 1970s. Much has changed since this time, which suggests that the concept of the enclave ought to be ripe for reevaluation. In this article we take an initial step in this direction, identifying analytical dimensions to the enclave and illustrating different manifestations of enclaves in the mining industry, drawing on the case of Chile. We conclude by advocating the renewed study of industry enclaves within contemporary economic geographic analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ciencia & Trabajo is the property of Fundacion Cientifica y Tecnologica de la Asociacion Chilena de Seguridad and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This paper describes the gender practices of men and women who work in the mining industry in the north of Chile. This ethnographic research was conducted in masculine spaces for social interaction in Calama. We ask about the structure of gender relations in the Schoperías, and how this economic and cultural context favors a type of gender relationships based on a normative patriarchal system. In this paper the researchers argue that there is an association between mining and the symbolic and imaginary reproduction of the worker, who is socially valued according to his physical strength and economic power. Schoperías are privileged homosocial spaces for the performance of hegemonic masculinity. However, although homosexual desire is continuously performed in these spaces, a strong and constant homophobia is also exhibited by the mine workers at the Schoperías. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Polis (07176554) is the property of Polis - Revista Academica Universidad Bolivariana and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Purpose--The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of recent developments in employment relations in Chile, focusing on recent episodes of contract labour mobilisation in the forestry and copper mining sectors. Design/methodology/approach -- This paper is based on a consolidation of existing evidence from a range of primary, secondary and tertiary, sources. Findings -- The paper demonstrates the inadequacy of Chile's employment relations institutions to protect vulnerable workers and shows the capacity of contract workers to overcome such limitations by recurring to mobilisation. It argues that contract labour mobilisation rather than a shift left in government seems to offer a more plausible explanation of current developments in Chilean employment relations. Research limitations/implications -- The paper identifies salient issues but further research is necessary to understand the actual social processes of collective action involved in recent episodes of contract labour mobilisation. Practical implications- This information could contribute to better policy making, better management of the employment relationship, and informing the revitalisation of labour movements. Originality/value- There are few studies on contract workers' collective action particularly in developing countries, and a contribution is made to critical debates on the sustainability of Chile's neoliberal socio-economic and employment relations system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water scarcity is a global issue that is threatening social and economic development. One approach to alleviating scarcity is the incorporation of new water sources into supply systems, including desalinated seawater for industrial and municipal use. In Chile, large volumes of water are used in water-scarce regions where mining takes place, alongside agriculture and small communities. This situation has driven a debate around policies to increase the use of seawater to satisfy the water demand of the mining industry. The economic, social and environmental implications of such a policy, however, are poorly understood and the current regulatory framework to address concerns and uncertainties is inadequate. This paper presents a technical, legal, economic and environmental appraisal of such a policy and considers options to improve outcomes. The appraisal suggests that clear regulations derived from economic, social and environmental analysis must be generated to provide legal certainty and reduce risks. Alternative or complementary water supply options should be allowed where mining operations can demonstrate negligible hydrological and social impacts or use innovative solutions such as stakeholder water rights swaps and water efficiency technologies. We provide insight that will help to drive a better policymaking process aimed at tackling water scarcity in Chile and in similar areas of the world. • In Chile there is a drive to mandate seawater use in mining. • The implications of such a policy are poorly understood. • There are regulatory gaps that are causing widespread uncertainty. • The economic, environmental and social trade-offs could be damaging. • Further analysis and a more pragmatic approach is required that accounts for context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]