Caroline Vender CEO SIGDO KOPPERS INGENIERIA & CONSTRUCCIÓN (SKIC)
What are the main challenges and opportunities facing the mining construction industry in Chile?
Chief among them is the need to improve efficiency and productivity by innovating processes and adopting new technologies, many of which originate from outside the mining sector. At the same time, there is an urgent need to accelerate the transition toward greener practices to achieve to sustainable mining goals. A major mining investment cycle is on the horizon, and we must prepare for it now. How is Sigdo Koppers promoting greater female participation in Chile’s mining industry?
Over the past few years, we have trained more than 4,000 women, equipping them with the skills necessary to grow professionally in the industry. This effort presents a unique opportunity to transform the composition of the mining workforce in the years ahead. Women bring diverse perspectives that not only enhance inclusion but can also drive innovation and profitability across the sector. How can companies attract and retain talent in the mining industry?
While demand for talent in engineering and construction remains high, this is a cyclical industry. Companies must be prepared for both talent shortages and labor surpluses. It is not enough to offer high salaries in the short term, we must foster a sustainable, long-term talent strategy. Where is collaborative mining headed?
A particularly effective model of collaboration is approaching mining projects as ecosystems from the earliest stages. This means involving engineering firms, suppliers, contractors, and other key stakeholders from the beginning to create shared value and ensure successful execution. What are Sigdo Koppers’ priorities for the future?
We are committed to delivering value to our clients through innovative, high-performance projects, while ensuring the safety of our people, caring for the communities where we operate, and making the investments necessary to build a stronger, more sustainable future.
Darío Barros CEO ECHEVERRÍA IZQUIERDO MONTAJES INDUSTRIALES (EIMISA)
Can you update us on Echeverría Izquierdo Montajes Industriales' recent activities?
Over the past four years, Echeverría Izquierdo Montajes Industriales (EIMISA) has established itself as one of the top three industrial assembly companies in Chile, strengthening its position through strategic contracts. In Chile, we maintain a long-term strategic relationship with Codelco, highlighted by our participation in flagship projects such as Rajo Inca. Recently, we were awarded the ‘Construction and Assembly of the Oxides Dry Area and Hydrometallurgy Area’ as part of the ongoing Rajo Inca project at the El Salvador Division. Additionally, we have maintained a continuous presence at El Teniente for more than 14 years and resumed work at Radomiro Tomic, Collahuasi, and Centinela Port.
Aligned with our diversification strategy, we have expanded our service offering to include earthworks through a strategic alliance with Excon. This partnership enables integrated earthworks and assembly contracts. Could you comment on trends regarding collaboration and partnership between mining service companies?
Today, there is a clear trend towards more integrated collaborative models in mining. Mining companies want fewer dispersed contracts, opting to award larger and more strategic contracts, driving service company partnerships. In turn, engineering firms are incorporating construction companies early in the planning stages, allowing them to optimize constructability, reduce deviations, and improve efficiency. At EIMISA, we actively collaborate with leading companies such as Bechtel, Worley, and Ausenco. What should the newly elected government prioritize to support the mining sector?
The new government should immediately prioritize the acceleration of environmental permitting processes. In addition, national security must be addressed as a matter of urgency. The integrity of our workers, especially those who travel to remote areas at night, remains a critical challenge. What would you like to achieve with Echeverría Izquierdo in the next two years?
We aim to surpass US$400 million in revenue and expand across key markets such as Chile and Peru.