en.Wedoany.com Reported - Codelco's Andina Division has relaunched its "Winter Operations" plan after completing maintenance on its avalanche control systems and meteorological monitoring equipment during the summer. The plan includes a series of administrative and operational measures aimed at ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment, while guaranteeing operational continuity in this challenging high-altitude industrial environment.
The use of helicopters plays a key role in this process. In addition to maintenance, the division has installed and activated over 100 pieces of equipment to strengthen operations in high-altitude areas. Maximiliano Barros Achondo, a specialist engineer from the Safety and Occupational Health Management Department, stated: "This type of aviation has been very important to our operations for decades, which is unique in the industry. Today we have cutting-edge technology and world-class pilots to ensure safe and continuous mining operations throughout the year."
He added that these operations require rigorous meteorological planning, specially trained pilots, and aircraft designed for extreme conditions. "This includes the high-performance twin-engine Airbus H145 helicopter, one of the few of its kind in Chile, used for precise operations in confined spaces and at high altitudes, where the margin for error is minimal."
Mauricio Neira González, a pilot providing services to the division, noted: "Technically speaking, this operation is highly demanding for both the helicopter and the crew. It requires extensive experience, as these aircraft are pushed to their limits in terms of power, temperature, altitude, and weight—it's a constant challenge."
The use of helicopters has become an important preventive measure, combined with a series of equipment designed to protect the nearly 5,000 people who travel daily on Andina's industrial roads.
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