Codelco faces labor tension over project suspension and privatization concerns

Codelco is facing growing tension with workers and political figures following the suspension of the Andes Norte project at the El Teniente mine. The state-owned company halted works after identifying new technical data related to deep seismicity. The suspension affects approximately 3,000 workers and at least four contracting companies. Unions have criticized the company for a lack of transparency, noting that requests for meetings to discuss the duration of the suspension and labor continuity plans have gone unanswered.

The Andes Norte project, which had reached 81% physical progress, is considered strategic for Codelco’s production goals. It involves an investment of between US$1.9 billion and US$1.931 billion and aims to extend the life of the El Teniente mine by roughly 50 years. The project is expected to produce about 105,000 tons of copper annually.

Separately, mining workers at the Chuquicamata open-pit mine have organized protests against potential privatization of Codelco. Labor leaders and various political figures have expressed opposition to proposals to sell the state-owned company, emphasizing its role as a fundamental pillar of the Chilean economy and its historical contributions to the state.