
Jeant Peinado General Manager Chile
CONFIPETROL
"Confipetrol’s growth plans in Chile are ambitious but realistic. The company aims to double its workforce annually and proportionally increase its sales."
How has Confipetrol's presence in Chile evolved over the last 12 months?
We have maintained a year-over-year growth rate of approximately 100%. In 2024, we achieved important success in bidding processes, receiving invitations from key clients such as Codelco. These efforts led to major contract awards at the end of 2024 and the beginning of 2025. Following our initial success in Chuquicamata, we secured a similar five-year contract with the Andina Division. We also entered the El Salvador Division and, more recently, won another significant contract in Chuquicamata. As of May, we have already doubled our revenue compared to the same period last year, with eight months still ahead and more projects in the pipeline. How does Confipetrol ensure the health and safety of its teams at mining sites in Chile?
We have implemented strategic plans in health, safety, quality and environmental areas, all under a unified HSEQ management system. We place strong emphasis on awareness and internalization of safety. Safety should not just be a checklist—it must be ingrained in every worker’s mindset. We train our teams to think and act safely, to look out for each other, and to strictly follow safe work procedures. Thanks to this approach, we have now gone over 24 months without any lost-time accidents. How is Confipetrol addressing the challenge of attracting and retaining technical talent in Chile?
There is a clear gap between specialized technicians and supervisors. Many technicians aim to move into supervisory roles, which creates a shortage of highly skilled field personnel. To address this, we implement training plans that strengthen the skills of our current workforce, allowing us to fill service gaps across our operations. In addition, we offer retention packages and career development plans. Internal promotion is a top priority. What sustainability practices has Confipetrol implemented?
In terms of environmental sustainability, we focus on circularity. Inspired by our operations in Colombia, we reuse uniforms and PPE through partnerships with local suppliers. These items are collected, cleaned, and repurposed into useful products such as hats, pouches, or promotional items. In Chile, we are beginning to replicate this model with local vendors. From a business standpoint, we developed a five-year strategy, identifying nearly US$3 billion in business opportunities. This data guides our planning and strengthens our position in a market dominated by major players. How do Confipetrol’s operations in Chile differ from those in the rest of Latin America?
While our core principles remain the same, the mining sector in Chile presents unique conditions: larger equipment, more remote sites, and different environmental challenges. Our background in the oil and gas industry has shaped a structured management culture, which we apply to mining—always upholding our engineering and maintenance philosophy as a core value. What services does Confipetrol offer in maintenance, and where do you see the greatest growth in Chile?
We provide maintenance services in mechanical, electrical, welding, instrumentation, and control specialties, focusing on equipment in extractive sectors. In Chile, we see the greatest growth potential among companies looking to optimize productivity without increasing costs. These clients need maintenance solutions that are reliable, efficient, and tailored to high-demand environments. How is Confipetrol utilizing Industry 4.0 and digital technologies?
Confipetrol is actively adopting digital technologies and Industry 4.0 to enhance its predictive maintenance approach. We use tools such as vibration analysis, thermography, acoustic ultrasound, and dynamic monitoring of electric motors. These technologies, combined with artificial intelligence and data analytics, allow us to anticipate failures, optimize resources, and make more accurate decisions.
We also have technical committees that meet quarterly to analyze trends, define technology investment priorities, and propose innovations. This approach keeps us at the forefront and enables us to offer increasingly smart and efficient solutions to our clients. What are Confipetrol's future growth plans in Chile?
Confipetrol’s growth plans in Chile are ambitious but realistic. The company aims to double its workforce annually and proportionally increase its sales. Given the size and dynamism of the Chilean mining market, we see these objectives as entirely achievable.
To achieve this, Confipetrol is positioning itself as the strategic maintenance partner, with a differentiated approach based on high standards of safety, operational reliability, and responsiveness. With new opportunities developing, the company seeks to strengthen its leadership by delivering solutions that generate real value for clients.