Minister of Environment of Chile's O'Higgins Region Inspects Circular Economy Practices at El Teniente Copper Mine

en.Wedoany.com Reported - José Pablo Lagos, Minister of Environment of Chile's O'Higgins Region, recently visited the Solid Industrial Waste Management Center (Cmris) of Codelco's El Teniente Division to examine the division's practices in circular economy and waste management.

During the visit, the official toured the facilities and learned how the division implements the Extended Producer Responsibility Law (Ley REP), as well as various waste recycling and reuse initiatives and innovative projects. These projects aim to find new uses for materials generated by mining activities. Lagos gained detailed insights into Cmris's work in recycling various operational wastes, including scrap metal, wood, plastics, cardboard, textiles, and footwear, as well as used tires, household-like waste, hazardous waste, and construction debris.

Lagos commended the El Teniente Division's efforts in circular economy. He noted that the division is developing innovative solutions and establishing partnerships with other companies to extend the lifespan of many materials generated during the mining process. He was surprised by the extent to which the Extended Producer Responsibility Law has been applied within the division, stating that its implementation is already very advanced, reflecting their innovation and enthusiasm for working in a more environmentally friendly manner.

Eric San Martín, head of the Circular Economy Department at Codelco's El Teniente Division, explained that the department demonstrates in a practical way how to internalize the Extended Producer Responsibility Law and how to manage different types of waste, showcasing initiatives aligned with their sustainability commitments, striving to transform waste into new products or energy. During the visit, one of the Circular Economy Department's latest projects was also presented: a pilot project using recycled aggregates for road paving, sourced from debris processed at Cmris and rubber from used tires in the mining industry.

The tour also facilitated an exchange of experiences on waste management and environmental education. At the conclusion of the visit, the Minister and division representatives agreed on the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation to share experiences and promote good circular economy practices with other stakeholders in the region.