Mining firms roll out education and SME programs in Chile's Atacama

The mining sector inaugurated a new Impulsa 4.0 classroom at the Liceo Minero América in Calama. Funded by Codelco, BHP, Antofagasta Minerals, SQM and others, the space equips students with AI, virtual reality, robotics, 3D printing and programming tools to foster STEM skills for the future of mining. Rodolfo Bickell, director of Community Affairs for Codelco’s northern operations, said, “El Liceo Minero América tiene mucha historia… Estamos muy contentos de participar.”

Separately, Lundin Mining, Fundación Lundin, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile and the Red de Mentores Atacama launched the Impulsa Pyme program. The initiative offers high‑level academic training and personalized mentorship to small and medium‑sized enterprises in the Atacama region, aiming to boost management capacity, innovation and economic diversification.