Codelco's Circular Economy Initiative: A Path to Sustainable Mining

Chilean miner Codelco is taking significant strides towards a more sustainable future by implementing a recycled material initiative at its El Teniente mine. This strategic move not only contributes to the company's commitment to a circular economy but also presents potential cost savings and operational efficiencies. By 2030, Codelco aims to recycle 65% of its industrial waste, and the El Teniente mine's success in valorizing various materials demonstrates the company's progress towards this goal.



Codelco's recycled material initiative focuses on increasing the recycling of main nonhazardous solid industrial waste, such as steel, wood, packaging materials, organic waste, and scrap. In 2024, the División El Teniente successfully reached a 55% waste valorization rate, surpassing its annual target of 48%. This achievement was made possible by valorizing various materials, including steel, goma, chatarra, copper (from cables outside of service), goma, madera, neumáticos fuera de uso, papeles y cartones. This success highlights Codelco's commitment to recycling and its progress towards meeting its 2030 target.

The use of recycled material for ball milling at El Teniente mine directly contributes to Codelco's overall carbon footprint reduction strategy by 2030. By recycling materials such as steel, wood, packaging materials, organic waste, and scrap, the mine reduces the need for virgin materials, which would otherwise require energy-intensive extraction and processing. This reduction in the use of virgin materials helps to lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, contributing to Codelco's goal of reducing its GHG emissions by 70% by 2030.

Moreover, Codelco has implemented a new contract with the company Ambipar as the operator of the Centro de Manejos de Residuos (CMRIS), which is structured in three modules: operations and collection of organic waste, valorization of waste, and valorization of escombros. This initiative further demonstrates Codelco's dedication to waste management and recycling, contributing to its circular economy commitment.

In conclusion, Codelco's recycled material initiative at El Teniente mine is a significant step towards a more sustainable future. By increasing waste valorization rates and reducing the need for virgin materials, the company is not only contributing to its circular economy commitment but also presenting potential cost savings and operational efficiencies. As Codelco continues to pursue its 65% industrial waste recycling target by 2030, it is clear that the company is dedicated to minimizing environmental impact and maximizing resource efficiency.