“Sustainability must be accompanied by profitability. It would be impractical for a mine in Mexico, for example, to operate as an underground mine if it must compete with a cheaper open pit mine in Africa. Finding a balance is essential.”

Adolfo Sicilia Mármol, Country Manager, OSSA

“There is a general trend towards transitioning from open pit to underground mining. Projects like Chuquicamata, which is entering a new underground phase, and Antofagasta Minerals' evaluations of underground developments, indicate this shift. This transition requires adapting skills and capabilities specific to underground mining.”

José Miguel Galera, CEO, Systra Subterra

“Once an investment project is approved, the challenge is to have enough skilled labor. We see that mining companies are increasing their production and require more specialized workforce.”

Andrés Llona Tagle, Corporate General Manager, Mas Errázuriz

“In our vertical development, such as raise boring, water recycling is pivotal for sustainability. These operations are water-intensive, consuming thousands of liters per hour. We have established strong water recirculation systems. Large storage tanks, approximately 45 cubic meters, are refilled every two to three days, reducing overall water consumption.”

Fernando Vivanco, General Manager, Master Drilling Chile

“Mechanized excavation is still limited due to machine restrictions, primarily designed for urban infrastructure tunnels. Access, ventilation, and conveyor tunnels, necessary in underground mines, could be candidates for TBM use due to their similarity to road infrastructure. Despite obstacles, the growing attention towards this technology suggests a shift towards mechanized excavation in the mining industry in the coming years.”

Juan Pablo Merello, General Manager, Skava Consulting

"We have been developing electric compressors for underground mining and tunneling, designed to resist under harsh conditions as snow, rain, altitude, dust and humidity, while eliminating gas emissions. We are constantly searching for solutions that may extend our equipment’s lifespan and reduce maintenance costs, helping customers to optimize equipment investments while fostering environmental preservation."

Nelson Batistucci, General Manager Power Technique South America, Atlas Copco