What is the latest from STRABAG ZÜBLIN, particularly in the Chilean mining sector?

STRABAG ZÜBLIN has experienced significant growth in recent years. We have become one of the major players in underground mine construction in Chile. Our experience in road building, civil engineering, plant construction and mechanized tunnelling, in addition to design, allows us to offer a one-stop shop for our mining, infrastructure and civil works clients. How do STRABAG and ZÜBLIN adapt their mining solutions to the unique geology of Chile?

We have relevant experience in dealing with rock bursts in the Alps through the construction of the Gotthard Base Tunnel, the longest tunnel in the world, and this translates well to Chile because the Andes have experience in rock bursts unlike anywhere else in the world. In the future, I believe that mechanized tunneling and TBMs, which have a lower carbon footprint than conventional tunneling, will have an impact on the entire mining industry. Everyone in the industry will have to work together to bring these technologies into the mainstream, as their positive impact on the world mining sector cannot be underestimated. Do you see much collaboration in the mining industry?

Mining companies operate in a highly competitive environment due to the nature of the contracting business. However, this does not exclude the possibility of fostering collaboration within the industry. Productivity is an area where the entire industry can improve to attract more investment to Chile, and this is what we have been focusing in recent years. What is the effect on ZÜBLIN of there being more focus on brownfield projects?

Underground mines have the potential to have a lower environmental impact. The transformation from open pit to underground has the advantage of minimizing the surface environmental footprint and, when combined with brownfield projects, the environmental impact is further improved as the infrastructure and facilities are already in place.

This is fully in line with our strategy and supports our environmental goals. We have been working at the El Teniente underground project for almost 30 years and it is the largest underground mine in Chile. We have four contracts there, involving around 3,000 workers, which is a logistical challenge for STRABAG and ZÜBLIN, as are the different types of rock in the mine.

From a construction point of view, it does not matter whether we are working on a greenfield or a brownfield site. We can provide the full range of construction services to the mining sector, as well as roads, earthworks and civil engineering. Our civil works team is currently working on wind farms and dams to supply the mines in the north with green energy. What is STRABAG and ZÜBLIN’S progress on its ESG and environmental targets?

Our strategy revolves around 'People, Planet, Progress'. At Züblin, we aim to be green in our operations by 2040 and we are actively pushing to achieve these goals.

In our mining division, we are looking at electrified mining equipment with our suppliers, with several solutions in operation at El Teniente, including electric mixers and 4x4 electric trucks, putting us at the forefront to continue to develop in this area.

However, we are not there yet, and it will take a lot of work from both us and our suppliers, but it is an area we are working hard on. All stakeholders in the mining industry should aim for the same goal. Collaboration is key. Do you think Chile is a leader in terms of technology and sustainability in mining?

Chile meets all the requirements to lead in technology and has all the basic conditions to seize the opportunities for adapting mining to the modern world. Many companies, such as Codelco, but also the private mining in Chile is open to adopt new technologies and can serve as an example for other players in the world wide industry. What are your plans for STRABAG and ZÜBLIN in Chile in 2025?

We have a bright future ahead in the country for sure. Our core business here is underground mining, but we are also expanding into the rest of Latin America. We have just opened a branch in Lima and are looking to develop a more holistic business to offer our clients a one-stop shop, creating value for ourselves, the customers, and the country in which we operate.