President Gabriel Boric He referred to the decision of the National Copper Corporation (Codelco) board of directors to proceed with the closure of the Ventanas smelter, located in Puchuncaví, Valparaíso region. The President pointed out that “we do not want more sacrifice zones” and that “no worker (of Codelco) will be left without their job.”
The measure requires amending Law No. 19,993, which requires the Corporation to smelt Enami’s minerals exclusively at the Ventanas plant. The deal only involves the smelting process, as the refinery is not in question.
“This will be done through a gradual and responsible process with the population and with the workers,” the head of state commented at a press point from La Moneda.
“We do not want more sacrifice zones,” said the head of state at a press point.
He also said that “no worker (of Codelco) will be left without a job.”
Stages of the cessation of operations
“In the immediate term, the company is adapting its processes to the new operational plan in order to meet the demands of the authority and prioritize the protection of people’s health and the protection of the environment,” Codelco said in a statement.
“In this way, it will restart the smelter as weather conditions allow and pending the approval of the new law that allows it to stop treating Enami’s minerals in Ventanas.”
Once Law No. 19,993 has been modified, the permit procedures for the temporary stoppage of the smelter will begin with the National Geology and Mining Service (Sernageomin).
Then, the elaboration of the profile, pre-feasibility and feasibility engineering of the definitive closure corresponds, followed by the respective authorization processes. Subsequently, it will be possible to proceed with the dismantling of the plant, the reuse of infrastructure, remediation and recovery of areas.
In parallel, Codelco will continue to strengthen its refineries and its other smelters, classified as strategic by the company.
