Could you provide an update on the last 12 months at R&Q Ingeniería?

Over the last year, we have grown approximately 10% in the delivery of services to the mining industry. We consolidated our presence by completing major projects such as Quebrada Blanca, where we were part of the execution team working alongside Bechtel. Furthermore, we returned to Chuquicamata Underground to work on the new exploitation levels, which are an emblematic project for global mining. We are also strongly involved with the expansion of Collahuasi. Internationally, we are involved in the management of the project portfolio at Las Bambas, and recently, we were awarded the PMO service at Quellaveco. Have you observed any trends in the demand for your engineering services?

The demand for engineering services in mining is closely related to the technical challenges faced by mining companies. There has been a growing emphasis on technology and sustainability, which now accompany project development. A clear trend is the deepening of ore bodies, as open-pit mines transition to underground mining to continue operations for decades to come. Additionally, there are environmental challenges, such as those faced at Los Bronces, where companies are planning mining methods that avoid surface impacts by using underground mining techniques. What initiatives has R&Q Ingeniería implemented to improve mining sustainability?

We have voluntarily developed a sustainability strategy aimed at minimizing our impact. Additionally, we are involved in consulting services focused on decarbonization, helping mining companies transition to lower carbon emissions. We are also forming partnerships with other firms to combine capabilities and provide more comprehensive services. How can the mining sector involve more women in leadership and fieldwork roles, and attract young talent overall?

First, we must eliminate prejudices. Beyond that, it is essential to encourage more women to pursue science and technology degrees at the university level, with targeted outreach programs beginning in schools. Universities are making great efforts in this area, offering special programs and quotas for women in technical careers. Furthermore, companies must provide flexible working conditions, recognizing the greater family responsibilities that many women still shoulder. Do you think Chile could soon have a fully digital mine, considering the advances seen in Peru and other regions?

When you observe the Integrated Operations Centers (IOCs) at mines like Codelco’s and BHP’s operations, where large portions of the mine are managed remotely, you see that Chile is already well on its way. Technologies like autonomous trucks and remote monitoring are already addressing the major technical challenges of digital mining. Therefore, it is entirely feasible that Chile will have fully digital mines soon. What role does R&Q Ingeniería play in advancing digitalization and safety in mining operations?

Internally, we have established IOCs to monitor and support our field teams, ensuring quality through centralized expertise. In safety, we provide expert services, including audits and preventive advice. We actively support the transition toward centralized safety monitoring systems where AI detects risky behaviors, complementing human expertise. In a competitive market like mining engineering in Chile, what differentiates R&Q Ingeniería from other firms?

One key differentiator is our focus on technology. We have developed a proprietary project management system called R&Q+, initially created for construction supervision and later expanded to manage entire projects. This system provides full traceability and centralized information, facilitating real-time monitoring and ensuring project knowledge transfer across different projects. Our 48 years of experience, including 25 years dedicated to mining, and involvement in the most significant mining projects in Chile, give us a strong foundation that we are now also expanding into Peru and the region. Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, what are R&Q Ingeniería’s strategic plans?

Our primary goal is to positively impact the mining environment by delivering better services that support successful project execution, minimize deviations, and help realize the extensive portfolios of projects identified in Chile and Peru. Strengthening our capabilities to handle larger volumes of work is critical, especially given the scale of upcoming projects. Internationally, we are strongly developing our presence in Peru and Colombia, and we are beginning operations in the United States, mainly targeting the infrastructure sector. Our long-term vision is to strengthen our position regionally while maintaining the high standards that have defined R&Q Ingeniería for nearly 50 years.