Copper is one of the key elements driving the global energy transition. The Netherlands is committed to strengthening relationships and working closely with sector stakeholders to make the industry as resilient and sustainable as possible, ensuring a future-proof supply of this essential resource. With Dutch expertise in water management, we aspire to contribute to this resilience and sustainability.

With that goal in mind, we are mapping around 70 Dutch companies and institutions active in the water sector that also have capabilities in mining: from sustainable desalination to water-saving software, and from water stewardship consultancy to membrane technology.

A highlight of the visit was touring the impressive tunnels of the Pacífico Superior mine, experiencing firsthand the daily underground operations.

Did you know:

• El Teniente has been operating on an industrial scale for more than 120 years?
• The division hosts one of the largest central control centers in Latin America, and is increasingly automating and remotely operating its mining activities?
• El Teniente collaborates with partner companies to (re)extract copper and molybdenum from its tailings?
• Water that filters through the mountain into the mines is drained and collected, after which dissolved copper is recovered? This accounts for about 1,000 tons annually (out of a total production of ~300,000 tons).

All in all, it was an impressive visit, full of inspiring people and enriching conversations. We would like to thank Codelco – El Teniente for making this visit so special with their warm welcome, and we look forward to continuing this dialogue and cooperation.