en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation (Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación) and the Ministry of Mining Economy have formed an interagency working group, in collaboration with Chile's National Copper Corporation (Codelco), to jointly launch a feasibility study exploring alternatives for producing oxygen-free copper (OFC). Due to its high purity and high electrical conductivity, oxygen-free copper is a key raw material in scientific research.
Deputy Mining Minister Álvaro González, Deputy Science Minister Carolina Rossi, ministry officials, and Codelco representatives attended the relevant meetings. During the session, Ricardo Weishaupt, General Manager of Codelco's Ventanas Division, stated that the meeting was "very productive" and revealed that Codelco has already contacted the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and is preparing to conduct tests to analyze the possibility of supplying oxygen-free copper to support CERN's expansion project through 2030. Weishaupt added that the first phase focuses on conducting technical tests and economic analyses to determine whether the initiative can be transformed into a project with reputational and strategic value, as well as commercial viability. The conceptual design for this phase is expected to be completed early next year, with the core goal of enhancing the strategic, commercial, and economic value of Chilean copper, moving beyond raw materials toward refined copper with higher processing levels.
Felipe Lagno, General Manager of Codelco's Innovation and Technology Division, emphasized the critical importance of the meeting, noting that the company is building a project to produce oxygen-free copper, exploring its potential, benefits, and opportunities, while also creating space for collaboration between the public and private sectors. In the coming months, Codelco will focus on identifying key business lines and financing opportunities to advance the initiative.
Gerardo Alvear, General Manager of Codelco's Metallurgical Process Innovation Division, pointed out that the meeting facilitated coordination among different institutions to jointly develop the project, and he believes that the markets for oxygen-free copper and advanced manufacturing represent opportunities at the international level.
Isabel Venegas, Director of New Business at Codelco's Ventanas Division, presented the "Chile at CERN: Strategic Alliance for Future Industry" project to the various ministries. Venegas stated that the team is analyzing other potential markets, recognizing that this material can add value to the copper value chain, benefiting both the country and industry. Science is one of the potential applications for oxygen-free copper, along with areas such as electric mobility, aviation, aerospace, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence. Venegas emphasized the importance of deepening the conceptual design to initiate market research, identify internationally available technologies, and draw on the expertise of specialists in the field, building a reliable business case based on this information.
