Codelco Ventanas closure process presented as international mining case study

Claudio Flores Álvarez, General Manager of Codelco's Ventanas Division, presented the closure process of the Ventanas Smelter as an international case study during a postgraduate program in Peru. The program, focused on sustainability, governance, and mining law, was organized by Portal Minero del Perú and the Colegio de Ingenieros del Perú – Huánuco Departmental Council.

The decision to cease operations at the Ventanas Smelter advanced the facility's closure by 66 years, as its original lifespan was projected until 2088. This required the development of a rapid strategy to manage labor transitions, regulatory permits, closure engineering, facility security, community relations, and business continuity, all while maintaining the operational continuity of the Electrolytic Refinery.

Flores emphasized that effective closure planning must prioritize people, including direct employees, contractors, and local communities. He noted that social, environmental, regulatory, and communication challenges are as critical as technical requirements.