2015 ·
an alternative world of mining value to which, using the excuse of words like impurity and waste, we have until now turned a blind eye”.
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
“We have devoted part of this Report to considering
SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2015
Li Na K Rb Cs Fr Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra Sc Y Ti Zr Hf Rf V Nb Ta Db Cr Mo W Sg Mn Tc Re Bh Fe Ru Os Hs Co Rh Ir Mt Ni Pd Pt Ds Cu Ag Au Rg Zn Cd Hg Cn B Al Ga In Tl Uut C Si Ge Sn Pb Fl N P As Sb Bi Uup O S Se Te Po Lv F Cl Br I At Uus He Ne Ar Kr Xe Rn Uu
SU S T A I N A B I L I T Y REPORT
2015
CONTENTS
Message from the
Operations
Chairman of the Board
26
04 Projects Message from the General Manager 06 Our company 08 Mission, vision and values 08 Organizational chart 10 Towards a mining industry of the future: More value for Chile 12
30 Sustainability performance 34 Economic and social aspects 36 Safety and occupational health 46 Environment 50 GRI index 56
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
In 2015, EcoMetales’s activities continued to focus on removing arsenic from the flue dust generated by the treatment of smelters’ gas emissions, recovering copper and stabilizing the resulting waste. During the year, the company recovered over 7,000 tonnes of copper for Codelco and disposed of almost 3,000 tonnes of arsenic in the form of scorodite, a stable waste. At the same time, it also continued to explore and develop projects to expand its range of activities in line with the philosophy that inspires its activities: to treat mining waste sustainably through the recovery of the metals of value it contains, thereby contributing to protection of the environment. Together with Codelco’s El Teniente Division, EcoMetales is working on a project for a plant to treat effluent from the Caletones Smelter’s acid plants and a deposit for the final disposal of hazardous waste. The company hopes that, in 2016, Chile’s Environmental Evaluation Service will issue the corresponding permit which will be key for defining how to proceed with this project. In 2015, progress was also achieved on the feasibility engineering for the Complex Concentrates Leaching Project (PLCC) for the treatment of copper concentrates with a high level of arsenic, a problem increasingly faced by mines in northern Chile. Through this process, based on high-pressure and high-temperature oxidization, it will be possible to obtain a solution rich in copper and
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ecometales SR 2015
stable arsenic waste. The project represents an esti-
I would also like to mention a project we are devel-
mated investment of US$371 million and will have an
oping together with JRI Ingeniería, Enami and SER-
annual capacity to treat and clean 200,000 tonnes of
NAGEOMIN which aims to identify elements of value
concentrate. It should become one of the pillars of
in tailings deposits and to evaluate their recovery as
the strategy for handling and managing impurities
commercial products based on research carried out
at Codelco’s North Division when the Chuquicamata
by the Chilean-German Chamber of Commerce, Am-
Underground Mine Project starts operating.
Cham Chile, the German Natural Resources Agency and Germany’s Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. The project requires approval by the Chilean Economy Ministry’s Strategic Investment Fund (FIE) which it is expected to obtain in 2016. The recovery of value from waste and the latter’s neutralization are a strategy that seeks to consolidate the future of the Chilean mining industry within a framework of sustainability. With the industry at one of its most critical moments, this is the time to consider alternative ways forward that enhance its productivity and transform it into an activity that minimizes its negative impacts and, at the same time, creates economic value. By drawing on the potential of the knowledge of our professionals and incorporating new processes and better technologies, we can create a virtuous circle of motivation and better jobs and, ultimately, increase the added value. I am once again pleased to be able to present to all the community this Report whose content is a source of pride for all of us who work at EcoMetales.
“The recovery of value from waste and the latter’s neutralization are a strategy that seeks to consolidate the future of the Chilean mining industry within a framework of sustainability”.
José Pesce Rosenthal
5
MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER
Although the mining industry is experiencing one of its most difficult cycles, there can be no doubt that there will be a mining industry in Chile for many years ahead and that the country will continue to be a leading world copper producer. Solid institutions, an attractive business climate and our country’s geology will continue to attract investment that contributes to its development. It is, however, important to discuss what we really mean by leadership. Is it synonymous with producing more? This is not a trivial question because there is a widespread belief that increased production is central for the industry’s development as was the case in the 1990s when Chile’s copper output climbed from 1.4 to 5.4 million tonnes. Setting aside the matter of whether such a leap in output is feasible in current industry conditions, the underlying questions appear to be others: Did this growth result in a qualitatively different production base? Did the country develop its own technological and financial base to support the mining industry? Have we advanced towards a cleaner and more sustainable mining industry with products and services that incorporate more added value? Do we have a solid scientific and technological base at the service of the mining industry and the rest of the economy? Do we have a smelting capacity that is world-class in terms of cost and environmental performance? Unfortunately, the answer to almost all these questions is largely negative.
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ecometales SR 2015
Although we have improved the professional and
resources intensively is to plunder and exhaust.
technical standards of our human resources, we
Sustainable value is created through the develop-
have not taken advantage of the development po-
ment of technology and knowledge.
tential associated with the enormous investment seen in the mining sector over the past 40 years. We
With these ideas in mind, we have devoted part of
have become smart buyers but have a limited ca-
this Report to considering an alternative world of
pacity to develop and apply technological solutions.
mining value to which, using the excuse of words
Examples of local technological innovations such as
like impurity and waste, we have until now turned
the Teniente Converter which, at the time, achieved
a blind eye.
international recognition have not been repeated and sadly, because we did not persevere efficiently
In developed economies, there is growing concern
along these lines, we have lost ground. Today, there
about the future supply of metals and elements of
are practically no Chilean engineering companies
other types that are crucial for advanced technolo-
and Chile is virtually absent in the export of goods
gies and are often produced almost exclusively in
and services for the mining industry. Moreover, an
countries or regions where political conflicts could
area like smelters, which is strategic for the Chilean
threaten their availability to European economies
mining industry, performs very poorly as regards
or the United States. This concern was, for example,
both productivity and the environment.
reflected in the report published by the European Commission in 2014 on Critical Raw Materials in or-
The challenge for the mining industry is to move
der to assess the outlook for their availability to EU
towards a business model that focuses on creating
member states in the context of their future eco-
sustainable value in the long term. Merely to exploit
nomic and human development. In 2015, EcoMetales participated in a meeting called by the EU to discuss best practices in the recovery of minor metals, related technological and policy challenges and potential markets. At this meeting, we had the opportunity to talk about our work on the recovery of value from smelter waste. We have pioneered this field in Chile but still have a huge challenge that we must address with an innovative mentality in order to achieve a sustainable mining industry that attaches more importance to value than volume of output. All these issues will clearly shape the mining industry of the future and EcoMetales, as a company that seeks to contribute to its environmental sustainability, must be part of them. That is why we are proud to publish our fifth consecutive annual report on our performance as regards sustainability. In the context of a year that was very challenging for the mining sector, it is particularly satisfying to be able to report what EcoMetales has done as regards the environment, our employees and our stakeholders in general.
“We have devoted part of this Report to considering an alternative world of mining value to which, using the excuse of words like impurity and waste, we have until now turned a blind eye”. Iván Valenzuela Rabí
7
OUR COMPANY Founded in 2007, EcoMetales (ECL) is a
remuneration on this account. These Commit-
subsidiary of Codelco Technologies Ltd. Its
tees are chaired by a company director and com-
predecessor, Alliance Copper, founded in 2000,
prise one or more directors or the persons they
was a joint venture between Codelco and BHP
deem appropriate.
Billiton. The Committees are instructed by the Board of The purpose of EcoMetales is to develop
Directors to provide the General Manager with
environmentally
for
advice and support on the matters for which they
the treatment of the different types of waste
were established. The General Manager is, in
generated by the mining industry, seeking to
turn, charged with administering and represent-
recover metals in order to enhance the activity’s
ing the company in all types of business and acts.
sustainable
solutions
economic viability. To this end, the company focuses on:
The General Manager and EcoMetales’s other executives receive an annual bonus based on com-
1) Services for mining projects. 2) Plant operation. 3) Marketing of products produced by the plants it operates.
pliance with targets and objectives agreed with the company’s administration. In 2015, EcoMetales processed copper flue dust and other waste from Codelco’s Chuquicamata and Ventanas smelters. The copper recovered
As established in its by-laws, EcoMetales Ltd. is
from these materials was piped as a solution
administered by a Board of Directors, compris-
(PLS) to the Chuquicamata Division.
ing six members appointed by Codelco, who do
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ecometales SR 2015
not receive remuneration on this account. No
EcoMetales’s center of operations and plants are
transactions take place between EcoMetales and
in the city of Calama in the Antofagasta Region
its directors. The Board receives support from a
while its administration and engineering team
Management Committee and a Technical Com-
are located in the city of Santiago in the Metro-
mittee whose members, similarly, do not receive
politan Region.
MISSION
VISION
To be a leader in environmental solutions for mining waste, making its treatment economically viable through the recovery of metals.
To become one of the five leading companies in the world in environmental solutions within the next five years.
ECOMETALES AND TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION A key part of EcoMetales’ activities is the development of technological innovations that allow it to both optimize its processes and explore new treatments through which to expand its portfolio of projects. In this context, EcoMetales has obtained three patents.
Register Patent N° 50505: Chile, 2014 “Procedure for stabilizing liquids and solid waste with high As and Sb content, comprising leaching of flue dust to obtain a current enriched in copper and As, Sb, Bi and Cd impurities, oxidizing As (III) to form As (V), adjusting the Fe (III) /As (V) ratio to between 1 and 2 and precipitating the enriched current and treated solution”.
Register Patent N° 50423: Chile, 2014. “Procedimiento para estabilizar líquidos y residuos sólidos con alto contenido de As y Sb que comprende lixiviar polvo de fundición, obteniendo corriente rica en cobre e impurezas As, Sb, Bi y Cd, oxidar As (iii) a As (v), ajustar razón Fe (iii)/As (v) entre 1-2 y someter la corriente rica y la solución ajustada a precipitación”.
Register Patent: U.S.A. 2016, (US 9279168 ) and China 2015, (CN 103906709 B). Process for recovering technical-grade molybdenum from diluted leaching solutions that contain arsenic, comprising putting the solution in contact with an anionic resin, extracting the molybdenum with a regenerating alkaline ammonia solution, adding magnesium salts and/or sulfuric acid and separating, burning and recovering the ammonia.
VALUES EcoMetales aims to develop a corporate culture characterized by: · Respect for life and people · Excellency in work · Innovation · Team work · Sustainability development 99
ORGANIZATIONAL CHART 2015
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
COMMUNICATIONS María José Luque
PRESIDENT José Pesce
GENERAL MANAGER
Octavio Araneda
Iván Valenzuela
Francisca Castro Fidel Báez Carlos Caballero Hernán Sepúlveda
TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
ABOUT THIS REPORT Since 2011, EcoMetales has published an annual Sustainability Report in order to provide information about its environmental, economic and social performance between January 1 and December 31 of the corresponding year. It was prepared in accordance with the protocols of the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Mining and Metals Sector Supplement (2010). This Report includes information about the operations managed directly by EcoMetales. Under the GRI G3.1 protocols, this Report complies with Application Level B without extern verification.
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ecometales SR 2015
LEGAL ADVISOR Marcelo Olivares
PLANT MANAGER Germán Pérez PROCESS AND INNOVATION MANAGER Jorge Zúñiga PROJECTS MANAGER Orlando Fuentes ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCES MANAGER Fernando Navas SUSTAINABILITY MANAGER Pablo Medina BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Carlos Rebolledo ASSISTANT HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER Isabel Vallejos
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TOWARDS A MINING INDUSTRY OF THE FUTURE More value for Chile
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ecometales SR 2015
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Copper mining has played and continues to play a key role in the development of a country that is one of the world’s leading producers. Throughout its history, Chile’s copper mining industry has adhered to a business model focused on maximizing output and, as far as possible, minimizing costs. However, because copper mining has more comparative advantages in Chile than any other industry, Chileans expect much more of it than its success on international markets. Lack of information about the industry and criticism of it at home are no accident. It is perceived as being good business for the few but having negative effects on the environment and the life of the vast majority of the population and, particularly, communities close to its operations. It is not clearly understood that the mining industry helps to create a base of technology and added-value services that contribute not only to address productivity issues but also to compensate for fluctuations of price cycles. Clear signs of the exhaustion of this model have become apparent in recent decades. The decline in ore grades, rising energy costs and a shortage of water as well as growing environmental and community-relations issues make it difficult to believe that the industry will continue to generate its historically high earnings if it merely repeats what it did in the past. There is, in addition, a constant threat of competition from materials and technologies that could replace copper in its principal applications, particularly as a conductor of electricity and telecommunications. Although many voices have been raised to warn of the need to harness the knowledge acquired through mining, its high-level professional capabilities and the resources it generates to the development of industries and services that create more value, no significant progress has been achieved in this direction. Chile continues to depend critically on a single product with limited added value, without being able to develop an industry to supply the goods and services required by the copper industry. Indeed, over 50% of Chilean copper is exported as concentrate.
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Waste, the unexploited source of value Over its different stages, the Chilean mining industry has generated a huge amount of waste of different types that is difficult to quantify. At the mine level, it generates millions of tonnes of “sterile” rock, the name used in the industry to refer to material with an ore grade below the minimum threshold for processing. This threshold, of course, varies over time depending on prices and the technology available and yesterday’s waste can, as a result, become today’s resource. The milling and flotation processes used to produce concentrate mean that, each year, some 250 million tonnes of material are deposited in tailings dams in Chile. Rightly or not, these dams are perceived by communities as a structural threat or source of pollution and appear prominently among the industry’s legacy of liabilities. The next stage of the process, the smelting of concentrate to produce copper anodes, generates thousands of tonnes of slag, much of which is today sent to waste dumps. At the same time, the cleaning of smelter gases results in the so-called flue dust and associated effluents , both of which are considered hazardous waste. Finally, the electrowinning process used to produce copper cathodes generates thousands of tonnes of a precipitate known as anodic slime, treated either as a by-product or a waste depending on its content of gold and silver. Today, this slime is exported to developed countries that have the technologies and facilities to extract all of its value, in the form of gold and silver or other elements with important technological uses. Under chilean regulation, the anodic slime with a low gold and silver content is classified as hazardous waste and must be disposed of as such. In other words, this regulation takes only these two metals into account in determining whether the slime is a waste or a product. However, its composition is very diverse (including, for example, cobalt, selenium, antimony and tellurium) and it has potential value that has not been adequately exploited in Chile. Flue dust and anodic slime are the only type of wastes ever exploited by the Chilean copper mining industry. However, the plants that processed the latter ceased to operate several years ago and a new plant to treat this type of material, a joint project between Codelco and a South Korean company, is not expected to start operations until 2016.
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ecometales SR 2015
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Potential sources of “minor” metals Products and by-products
· Copper concentrates. · Molybdenite concentrates. · Roasted molybdenum concentrates. · Anode sludge (of the by-product type).
Types of waste
· Flotation tailings. · Smelter slag. · Leaching gravel. · Flue dust from the cleaning of smelter gases and roasting ovens. · Gases from smelters and molybdenum roasting ovens. · Acid plant effluent. · Sludge and liquid waste from solvent extraction and electrowinning plants. · Anode sludge (of the type classified as waste).
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ecometales SR 2015
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The potential of impurities In the case of mining products, impurities are
per industry does not necessarily perceive this
defined as all those components that are not ex-
value or has the capacity to take advantage of it.
ploited and that, in general, do not contribute value to the product or even detract from it.
Look for a moment at the table below which shows almost all the elements contained in any
In the case of copper mining, the list of impurities
copper concentrate. As well as the four elements
includes practically all the periodic table (apart
indicated above whose value is recognized, it con-
from copper, molybdenum, gold and silver). The
tains at least 32 other elements (others which are
definition of impurity is, however, obviously rel-
rarer are not commonly analyzed or call for more
ative and, in this case, a function of the copper
sophisticated and expensive methods of analy-
mining industry’s predominant interests. Most of
sis). Are these elements used? What value do they
the other elements have potential value to the ex-
have? How can advantage be taken of them? How
tent that there is a market for them but the cop-
scarce are they?
COMPOSITION OF COPPER CONCENTRATE
Element % Sulphur
33.4
Sodium
0.04
Thorium
<0.002
Copper
27.9
Molybdenum
0.04
Bismuth
0.0019
Iron
19.8
Manganese
0.0334
Uranium
0.001
Zinc
2.65
Cadmium
0.0185
Thallium
0.001
Arsenic
1.62
Phosphorus
Lanthanum
0.001
Aluminum
1.16
Strontium
Gallium
0.001
Potassium
0.41
Silver >0.01
Chromium
Calcium
0.29
Barium
Mercury
Lead
0.25
Wolfram
0.005
Scandium Gold
0.000086
Beryllium
<0.00005
0.013 0.0115 0.01
Antimony
0.138
Cobalt
0.005
Titanium
0.08
Nickel
0.0048
Magnesium
0.07
Vanadium
0.0021
0.0008 0.000304 <0.0001
Source: Codelco.
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In 2015, Chile exported some 12 million tonnes
Moreover, the main by-product of copper produc-
of copper concentrate. The table shows that, just
tion is molybdenum which is initially obtained as
to mention a few elements, this was equivalent to
a molybdenite concentrate. This has to be roast-
16,000 tonnes of antimony, 140,000 tonnes of al-
ed to produce a more refined molybdenum con-
uminium, 9,600 tonnes of titanium and 320,000
centrate with around 50% of molybdenum in the
tonnes of zinc. These are, moreover, minimum
form of oxide. Codelco, one of the world’s leading
estimates since, for each tonne of concentrate,
molybdenum producers, currently outsources all
approximately 29 tonnes of mineral are eliminat-
the roasting of its molybdenite concentrate, al-
ed as tailings with a metal content whose value
though it is working to launch Molyb, a company
has yet to be estimated. Given that the 12 million
that will process an important part of the molyb-
tonnes of exported copper concentrate gener-
denite it produces. Until a few years ago, Codel-
ated some 250 million tonnes of tailings (in just
co did its own roasting and, from the gases, also
one year), it is evident that the potential resources
recovered another scarce by-product, rhenium
eliminated as waste in Chile are quite significant.
(usually marketed as ammonium perrhenate and
THE METAL WHEEL
MAJOR METALS BY METALS Own infrastructure Limited infrastructure No infrastructure (wastage)
Al Mn Zn Cr Ti V Cu Mn Mg Cu As Ti Fe Li Oxide Sn Mg Ni Cr ores Ni As Pb B Br V Ga Co Fe Mn Al Cu Al Zn Cl Ca/Si Fe Pb Sn Mg V Fe Al Al Fe Fe Mg Cr Nb Mn Al PGM Zr Mg V Cr Ti Ta Mn Ca/Si Zn W As Cu In Mn Sb Bi Pb Ni Ag Nb Fe Cd Pt Ag Cu Cu Ta Pb Se Cu Au Co Te Ir Mo Zn Mg Ag Au Hg Ru As Pb Co Fe Rh Bi Os Te Sb Cr Sb Pt Os Pd Ru Se Ti Hg As Rh Ni As Sulphide Co Bi Ca/Si Ca/Si Ir ores Sb Fe Hg Ca/Si Mg
Ga Ge In
Au
Zn
Sn
Ag
Representation of the link between major metals and by-products in ore deposits (Verbef et.al.(2004) and Reuter et.al. (2005)). The “EU-14” raw materials currently identified by the European Commission as critical (EU Ad-Hoc- Working Group 2010) are circled. 18
ecometales SR 2015
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Chile is, indeed, one of the world’s main rheni-
The anodic slime serves as a good illustration.
um producers). This is an excellent example of
Its commercial value depends on the concentra-
how a trace element, present in almost unde-
tion of gold and silver and their market price at
tectable amounts in molybdenite concentrate,
a given point in time. However, companies that
can be recovered on a commercial scale from
process this slime also extract from it other ele-
the gas emissions generated by a stage in its
ments with commercial value (such as selenium,
processing.
tellurium, platinum, barium and tin).
A similar argument also applies to other prod-
Smelter slag, found in dumps in the different re-
ucts, by-products and waste of the copper pro-
gions of Chile where there are or were copper
duction process, each of which has different lev-
smelters, is another interesting case. In other
els of enrichment for different elements.
countries, it is used as a raw material to produce a fine granulated material that is marketed for
This does not imply that exploitation of all the
paving roads or as an abrasive material.
elements present in, for example, tailings is economically viable or technologically feasible. This
Ultimately, the viability of a business of this type
must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
depends principally on the element’s market
The most critical challenge for their recovery is,
price but also on longer-term considerations
in fact, that many of the elements found in con-
such as the evolution of refining technologies.
centrates are present only in trace amounts.
Many of these “minor” materials have acquired strategic importance for the manufacture of
As copper processing moves through its differ-
high-technology goods and their production,
ent stages, the waste tends to lose mass and,
whether as a primary product or a by-product,
as a result, the concentration of elements of
appears to have been monopolized by China.
value increases, making it more likely that their recovery will be economically attractive. In copper concentrate, for example, the concentration of antimony is typically less than 1% but, in the anodic slime it can reach as much as 10%.
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MAIN PRODUCER COUNTRIES OF MINOR METALS
RUSSIA PMG* 27% TURKEY Borates 38%
KAZAKHSTAN Chromium 20% D.R.C. Cobalt 56%
U.S.A. Berylium 90% Borates 30% BRAZIL Niobium 92%
CHINA Antimony 87% Coking coal 51% Fluorspar 56% Gallium 69% Germanium 59% Indian 58% Magnesite 69% Magnesium 86% Natural graphite 69% Rock phosphate 38% ETR (Heavy) 99% ETR (Light) 87% Silicon metal 56% Tungsten 85%
SOUTH AFRICA Chromium 43% PMG 61%
*PMG: Platinum Metals Group.
Critical raw materials In 2014, the European Commission published
ly modified the range of materials of interest. Indi-
a report on Critical Raw Materials for the Euro-
um, for example, had a very limited niche market
pean Union in which it assessed the situation of
until a few years ago but today, as a critical input
those considered critical in the context of the
for the production of flat-screen televisions and
EUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future economic and human development.
touch screens, has become central for current
This report took into account two criteria: the raw
and future technology.
materialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s importance for the EU economy and its supply risks.
In assessing supply risk, the study used principally the criterion of poor governance in producer
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ecometales SR 2015
It analyzed 54 raw materials, identifying 20 as
countries and those where reserves are located
critical. It is important to note that technological
as indicating a high risk of internal conflict and,
developments over recent years have significant-
therefore, a threat to sustainable access.
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Impurities and sustainability: two sides of the same coin In November 2015, EcoMetales was invited
nity to make optimum use of natural resources
to participate in an EU meeting in Belgium to
but also enormous development potential for
discuss best practices in the recovery of minor
the mining industry and the country as a whole.
metals, the related technological and policy challenges and the markets for these materials.
In this future scenario, EcoMetales is called on
The meeting was attended mainly by represen-
to play a crucial role since being able to abate
tatives of european countries, where there is
impurities also implies being able to recover
little mining activity and industries are, there-
“minor” metals. The same technology that of-
fore, critically dependent on supply from third
fers a solution for environmental sustainability
countries. At the meeting, EcoMetales offered
also makes possible the recovery of metallurgi-
a presentation on Environmental Solutions for
cal value that is of increasing importance for de-
the Recovery of Value from Copper Smelter and
veloped markets. As discussed in other sections
Refinery Waste.
of this Report, EcoMetales is exploring a range of projects and lines of research to realize this
At present, Chile is not taking full advantage of
potential.
the cycle of value of its mining industry. Each year, it generates over 250 million tonnes of
Ultimately, this is a matter of advancing in an
tailings, over 3 million tonnes of slag and over
historic process of modernization of the Chil-
100,000 tonnes of flue dust. Many of the de-
ean mining industry -the transformation of
posits of these wastes are, in practice, “mines”
waste into resources and of liabilities into as-
of valuable metals and of some of the critical
sets- and, on the way, of contributing to the en-
“minor metals” discussed above.
vironmental sustainability of an activity whose commitment to sustainability is viewed with
There are meanwhile metallurgical complexes
increasing skepticism by a society that needs
in China, Europe and Japan that can recover and
to understand that they are the main beneficia-
market not only copper and sulfuric acid but
ries of the industry’s efforts. It seems ever more
also 15 other materials and metals such as gold,
necessary for the State to take on a regulatory
silver, selenium, tellurium, platinum and palladi-
role under which it promotes the recycling and
um, which are to be found in the concentrates or
reuse of mining and industrial waste and penal-
waste produced by the Chilean mining industry.
izes its disposal without a prior effort to reduce or reuse it.
The challenge we face is how to incorporate technologies, processes and practices for the
The EcoMetales project seeks precisely to har-
recovery of scarce elements from mining waste
monize these demands of our future by recov-
and how to convert it into a source of income
ering valuable metals whilst, at the same time,
for the country. This is an economic and strate-
ensuring that the waste generated is more sta-
gic imperative that offers not only an opportu-
ble and safer for the environment.
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Na K Rb Cs Fr Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra Sc Y Ti Zr Hf Rf V Nb Ta Db Cr Mo W Sg Mn Tc Re Bh Fe Ru Os Hs Co Rh Ir Mt Ni Pd Pt Ds Cu
Characteristics of minor metals and their markets The Minor Metals Trade Association (MMTA) is an international organization founded in 1973 to promote a number of elements that are essential for economic development. It currently focuses on 49 substances (minor metals such as cobalt, gallium, germanium and zirconium), some of whose characteristics include:
• Their markets are generally “opaque” in the sense that they are not traded on public exchanges.
• Their production
• They are often not
is geographically concentrated, they have few substitutes and recycling at the end of their useful life is very
• They are produced
low, implying risks as
in small volumes
regards future supply.
recovered during the processing of minerals and their metallurgical treatment and end up diluted in slag as waste without value (as in Chile).
but often have a high unit value and are critical for a
• Over half of
range of sectors.
these minor metals are recovered as
• An increase in their
by-products.
on the EU’s list of critical raw materials because they are scarce and of strategic economic
price does not necessarily prompt an increase
• In their
in output because the
current uses,
business decision depends
some of these
on the price of the metals
metals lack
of whose production they
substitutes.
are a by-product.
• Many of them are
importance.
• Their recovery contributes to a more efficient use of resources and progress towards a circular economy that is low in carbon emissions and waste generation.
22
ecometales SR 2015
u Ag Au Rg Zn Cd Hg Cn B Al Ga In Tl Uut C Si Ge Sn Pb Fl N P As Sb Bi Uup O S Se Te Po Lv F Cl Br I At Uus He Ne Ar Kr Xe Rn
The 20 critical raw materials according to the EU: 1. Antimony 2. Beryllium 3. Borates 4. Chrome 5. Cobalt 6. Coal coke 7. Fluorite 8. Gallium 9. Germanium 10. Indio
11. Magnesite 12. Magnesium 13. Natural graphite 14. Niobium 15. Platinum group metals 16. Rock phosphate 17. Rare earth elements (light) 18. Rare earth elements (heavy) 19. Silicon metal 20. Tungsten
Some critical raw materials and their applications with cobalt as one of the prime candidates for inclusion, precisely because the main producer is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This restriction would have an important impact on the international supply of cobalt.
27
Co
Cobalt
Cobalt is one of the elements that are strategic for developed countries since the main deposits are in politically unstable parts of the world. The Democratic Republic of the Congo, an area of permanent armed conflict, accounts for over 50% of world output, which fluctuates at around 100,000 tonnes per year. In recent years, its price has ranged between US$10/lb and US$20/lb but, in 2008, it reached US$50/lb.
The EU anticipates a significant increase in demand for cobalt over the coming years and, if its import from the Democratic Republic of the Congo were banned, would depend critically on the second largest producer, Russia, a country that is also a source of political uncertainty for Europe. Interesting levels of cobalt are often found in the products of the Chilean copper mining industry such as concentrate and anodic slime.
For many years, cobalt’s principal application was in super-alloys, used particularly by the aerospace sector. More recently, its use in rechargeable batteries (for cell phones, computers and tablets) has become the most important source of world demand (accounting for 41% of the market) and, given the rate of growth of applications of this type, a further increase in demand is anticipated. In the United States, the Dodd-Frank Act, introduced by the Obama administration in 2010, established restrictions on the use of some metals if they come from “areas of conflict”. At present, the only such area is the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The four metals subject to restriction are tungsten, tantalum, tin and gold. However, regulatory discussions in the EU and the OECD suggest that the list could be expanded,
23 23
Na K Rb Cs Fr Be Mg Ca Sr Ba Ra Sc Y Ti Zr Hf Rf V Nb Ta Db Cr Mo W Sg Mn Tc Re Bh Fe Ru Os Hs Co Rh Ir Mt Ni Pd Pt Ds Cu
32
Ge
49 Germanium
Levels of germanium in the earth’s crust are also very low and it is refined only as a very minor by-product of zinc mining or from the ash produced by burning coal. According to the EU, around 59% of germanium is produced by China. An estimated 50% of reserves are in Russia. Germanium’s main uses include: - Optic fibers. Germanium dioxide is added in small quantities to optic fiber to help reduce signal loss. Given its growing application in broadband data transmission, demand is forecast to increase, particularly since it currently has no substitutes for this use. - Infrared optics. Given its transparency to infrared light, germanium is used to make lenses and windows for infrared radiation, an application that is critical for the development of night-vision equipment. - Solar cells for satellites. Annual world output of germanium reaches some 120 tonnes and its price fluctuates around US$1,000/kilo. Recycling accounts for 30% of output but, today, most of the world’s germanium is obtained as a trace component of other minerals (principally zinc) but most is not refined or, in other words, ends up in waste deposits.
24
ecometales SR 2015
In
Indium
Indium is a very soft and malleable metallic element that is found in very disperse form in the earth’s crust, never as a pure element and always as part of other metallic minerals. Its concentration in mineral rock (its grade) is typically so low that its extraction in its own right is not commercially viable. It is always produced as a by-product of the mining of metals such as zinc, lead or copper and, principally, the processing of their concentrates. It can also be refined from scrap and other waste. The main use of this metal (56% of consumption) is as a critical input for all types of flat screens for televisions, telephones and digital tablets. Its price fluctuates between US$200/kilo and US$1,000/kilo. World output of refined indium reached 820 tonnes in 2014 (the latest year for which figures are available) of which over half was produced in China. However, over 70% of unrefined indium contained in zinc minerals (the most abundant source) was produced in Peru and Bolivia. This element’s classification as critical is partly a result of the expected growth of its application in flat screens where it does not have a substitute and partly of the fact that over half of production is controlled by the Chinese government which closely regulates and restricts its export through quotas and taxes.
u Ag Au Rg Zn Cd Hg Cn B Al Ga In Tl Uut C Si Ge Sn Pb Fl N P As Sb Bi Uup O S Se Te Po Lv F Cl Br I At Uus He Ne Ar Kr Xe Rn
51
74
Sb
Antimony
Antimony is an element that is very scarce in the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust (an average 1 part per million) and is most commonly found as antimony sulfide (also known as stibnite). It is generally produced as a by-product of the mining of other metals.
W
Tungsten
Tungsten is another element that is scarce in the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s crust where it is found in 1-2 parts per million. World output reaches around 70,000 tonnes of which 85% is produced by China and is mostly consumed there. China, indeed, consumes close to 51% of the tungsten produced in the world.
China is the main antimony producer (accounting for 87% of world output) while reserves are located in China (53%), Russia (19%) and Bolivia (17%). Annual output reaches around 150,000 tonnes. In recent decades, the price has fluctuated between US$2,000/tonne and US$17,000/tonne depending on a range of factors, many of which are related to the way in which China regulates its output.
During most of the twentieth century, the best known use of tungsten was in the filaments of light bulbs but use of this technology has since declined and its principal application nowadays is as an input for the so-called cemented carbides, a material used in very hard and heat-resistant cutting tools as well as in super-alloys.
Antimony has many applications of which the most important include as a flame retardant, in lead-acid batteries and in lead alloys. Together, these three uses account for 89% of demand.
Tungsten is one of the four metals subject to restrictions under the Dodd-Frank Act in the United States since it is produced in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Interesting levels of antimony are often found in the products and waste of the copper mining industry such as concentrate and flue dust.
25
OPERATIONS Copper Flue Dust Treatment and Arsenic and Antimony Abatement Plant (PTPA)
At present, the core business of EcoMetales is the treatment of flue dust to recover the copper it contains. This dust is a result of the cleaning of the gases emitted during the smelting process and it may contain up to 30% copper as well as varying levels of other elements such as arsenic, bismuth and antimony. Between 2007 and 2015, this plant processed over 385,000 tonnes of flue dust and other hazardous solid waste as well as over 688,000 cubic meters of acid effluent. From all this waste, more than 74,000 tonnes of copper were recovered. Since 2012, when the Arsenic and Antimony Abatement Process (PAAA) started operation, the Plant can also reduce the level of these impurities in the copper that is recovered, stabilize them and dispose of them in an environmentally safe manner. The PTPA process can be summarized as follows: 路 The dust is leached using acid to produce a solution that is rich in copper (PLS) which is then sent to the Arsenic and Antimony Abatement Process (PAAA). 路 During the PAAA, the PLS is treated with hydrogen peroxide and then with ferric sulfate. 路 In reactors, the part that is enriched with arsenic and antimony is separated and precipitated as scorodite, a stable form of arsenic and antimony. 路 The stabilized arsenic waste is disposed of in a duly authorized deposit with a storage capacity of 1,320,000 tonnes.
OUTPUT In 2015, the EcoMetales plant processed
29,615 tonnes of flue dust and 156,223 cubic meters of acid effluent. From all this waste, it recovered
7,154 tonnes of fine
copper.
27
PHASES OF COPPER FLUE DUST TREATMENT LEACHING AND ABATEMENT OF ARSENIC AND ANTIMONY
Copper flue dust treatment plant diagram
Copper-rich pregnant leach solution (PLS) to AAA
Acid effluents Dilution water Flue dust Sulphuric acid
Pulp
Leaching 1
Pulp
Leaching 2
THICKENER Filter
Leach residue to ECL
Water
CAPACITY · Processing: 75,000 tonnes/year of flue dust and other waste. · Abatement: 7,500 tonnes/year of As and Sb. · Recovery: 15,000 tonnes/year of clean copper.
28
ecometales SR 2015
Arsenic and antimony abatement process (AAA)
Limestone PLS to Chuquicamata Division
Steam Magnetite PLS
Storage tank
THICKENER
Oxidization
Precipitation 1
Precipitation 2 Filter
Peroxide
Scorodite disposal site
ADVANTAGES OF ECOMETALES’ PROCESS · Generates stable arsenic waste: scorodite. · Competitive costs and high copper recoveries. · Idle capacity use of solvent-extraction (SX) and electrowinning plants (EW) that produce cathodes.
29
PROJECTS EcoMetales is developing an important portfolio of projects for the treatment of impurities and the recovery of value from the mining industryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s products and waste.
Improvement of the generation, transport and disposal of arsenic waste at the El Teniente Division This project envisages the construction of a plant to treat the acid effluent generated by the Caletones Smelter. It also includes a deposit for the final disposal of hazardous waste and represents an estimated investment of some US$70 million. With the new plant, it will be possible to reduce the generation of solid arsenic waste to a quarter of its current level, recycling 100% of the effluent treated into production processes. The deposit for the arsenic waste will have a storage capacity of 530,000 cubic meters and will be located within El Tenienteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s industrial area, thereby avoiding the need to transport the waste along public roads. It is estimated that it will have a useful life of 50 years. In 2015, the detailed engineering for the deposit was prepared. The project was submitted to the Environmental Impact Evaluation System in December 2013 and, in 2015, the company submitted its response to ADDENDA N° 1.
Leaching of Complex Concentrates (PLCC) The aim of this project is to remove the high levels of arsenic found in socalled complex copper concentrates from the mines of Codelcoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s North District and, in particular, the Underground Chuquicamata Mine Project and the Ministro Hales Division. The project envisages the use of autoclave technology in which high-pressure and high-temperature oxidation will be used to produce a copper-rich solution and stable non-hazardous arsenic waste. In November 2013, Codelco asked EcoMetales to undertake the pre-feasibility engineering for the project which was completed in 2014, including the corresponding metallurgical tests. In 2015, it began work on the feasibility engineering which it expects to complete in 2016 when the project will be submitted for environmental authorization. The project is estimated to represent an investment of US$371 million and, with an annual treatment capacity of 200,000 tonnes, would produce some 60,000 tonnes of fine copper in the form of cathodes.
31
FEEDING
DCH concentrates DMH concentrates Roaster dust
Water
Slury conditioner
AUTOCLAVE bars 28 bares
Oxygen
Cooling water
Encapsulated arsenic
THICKENER
Filter
Final disposal
220ºC 220°C
Solid
PLS (Copper-rich pregnant leach solution)
DCH DRT
AUTOCLAVE A technology characterized by oxidation at high pressure and temperature (POX) to produce an acid solution that is rich in copper (PLS) and stable arsenic waste.
32
ecometales SR 2015
Among the project’s environmental advantages, it does not generate either arsenic or sulfur air emissions, produces stable arsenic waste and consumes less water than alternative technologies. In economic terms, it is cost-competitive, achieves a high rate of copper recovery (98.5%) and will take advantage of idle capacity at solvent extraction and electrowinning plants, produce usable sulfuric acid and permit the recovery of other metals of value. The PLCC is expected to become one of the pillars of the strategy for handling and managing impurities when the Underground Chuquicamata Mine Project starts operation, which is scheduled to occur in 2019.
Processing and recovery of new elements of value from mining tailings Each day, the Chilean copper mining industry produces some 1.4 million tonnes of tailings of which an estimated 3,000 million tonnes have been accumulated over time. A report by the government’s National Geology and Mining Service (SERNAGEOMIN) found 651 tailings dams of which 95 had been abandoned and 359 were not active. They are all potential sources of metals such as gallium, tellurium, germanium, neodymium, tungsten, tantalum and rare earth elements that are of strategic importance for the high-tech industry. The project being developed by EcoMetales, together with JRI Ingeniería S.A., Enami and SERNAGEOMIN, seeks to identify the elements of value present in tailings and evaluate their recovery for commercial use based on research carried out by the Chilean-German Chamber of Commerce, AmCham Chile, the German Natural Resources Agency and Germany’s Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources. In 2013, Germany and Chile signed a cooperation agreement on mining and minerals as raw materials. The project is currently focusing on defining a technological scheme for the recovery of the value of strategic elements contained in tailings and preparing a generic methodology (manual) for the evaluation of similar projects in the future. In the long term, the recovery of elements of value from waste seeks to address the needs of the present, reducing the exploitation of natural resources and favoring the reuse of waste as a resource.
33
SUSTAINABILITY PERFORMANCE
This section provides information about material
As regards its products, the company’s opera-
aspects of EcoMetales’s management of environ-
tions have two distinctive characteristics that are
mental, social and economic issues in line with
important for defining the scope of this Report.
the Sustainability Reporting Guidelines of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI).
Firstly, since its installations are distant from population centers, the company has neither opera-
EcoMetales has a Safety, Occupational Health
tional impacts on nor direct relations with com-
and Environmental Policy under which it under-
munities.
takes to seek environmental solutions for its clients, based on excellence in safety, occupational
Secondly, its activities do not generate an end
health and environmental management and in
product but correspond to an intermediate
the quality of its processes. No production tar-
process required for the cleaner production of
get, therefore, justifies employees’ exposure to
refined copper. Moreover, transfer occurs di-
uncontrolled risks and all the company’s activities
rectly through special pipelines and the prod-
are undertaken in a framework of respect for and
uct is not, therefore, transported by road or
protection of people and the environment.
other means.
Since May 2012, EcoMetales has had in place Fa-
In 2015, EcoMetales obtained authorization
tality Control Standards which seek to avoid or
for the temporary storage of flue dust from the
control serious and fatal accidents as a result of
Chuquicamata Division and the final disposal of
work in certain conditions.
leaching sludge, in both cases in the company’s own deposit. The table below shows the environ-
Both this Policy and these Standards are key tools
mental permits obtained by EcoMetales through
of the company’s Integrated Management Sys-
to 2015 for the treatment, transport and disposal
tem, which permits an operation that protects the
of hazardous waste.
health and life of people and the environment.
RESOLUTION
ACTIVITY APPROVED
RCA N° 149/06
Treatment of flue dust from the Chuquicamata smelter.
R.E. Nº 205/07
Treatment of flue dust from the Ventanas and Potrerillos smelters.
RCA N° 086/09
· Treatment of flue dust from the El Teniente, Altonorte, Chagres and Paipote smelters. · Precipitation of arsenic and antimony to obtain scorodite. (Stable arsenic waste) · Construction and operation of waste deposit (scorodite).
RCA N° 50/11
Treatment of copper-containing hazardous waste from smelters in Chile.
RCA N° 74/12 (*)
Recovery of molybdenum from PLS produced during treatment of flue dust and hazardous waste.
RES N° 687/12
Treatment of copper-containing hazardous waste from any mining company in Chile.
RCA N° 113/13(*)
Transport of flue dust and hazardous waste.
RCA N° 87/13 (*)
Treatment of coarse part of fresh tailings at mining waste plant.
RCA N° 569/14
Temporary storage of hazardous waste at EcoMetales’ deposit.
R.E. N° 326/2015
Temporary storage of flue dust and final disposal of leaching sludge in EcoMetales’s deposit. (*) RCAs not operative in 2015.
35
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ASPECTS
Indicators for EcoMetales’s economic and social performance in 2014 and 2015 are shown in the table below.
ECONOMIC VALUE (US$)* Direct Economic Value Generated (EVG)
2014
Income
2015
32,960,908 33,432,227
Economic Value Distributed (EVD)
2014
Operating costs
2015
-28,809,601 -28,795,507
Wages and benefits
-5,980,316
-6,065,838
Payments to providers of capital
0
0
Payments to governments
0
0
Investment in community
0
0
-1,829,009
-1,429,118
Economic Value Retained (EVG less EVC)
*Exchange rate used: US$1 = $710,16 (chilean pesos).
Labor aspects EcoMetales has a general hiring procedure that is applied across all the company. However, through incentives, it promotes the hiring of persons resident in the region where its operations take place. The remunerations paid by EcoMetales are competitive within the context of an eminently mining region. Both remunerations and incentives are determined by an employee’s function and the value contributed by his or her performance in terms of meeting the company’s targets. All EcoMetales’s employees earn more than the minimum legal wage in force in Chile. In addition, the company’s workers receive quarterly and annual production-linked bonuses. The table overleaf (page 38) shows the company’s direct workforce in 2014 and 2015 by type of contract. As of 31 December 2015, it had 153 direct employees and a further 184 contractors’ employees were working at its operations.
37
Direct workforce
Type of contract
2014
2015
Men Women Total Men
Undefined
102
Temporary * Total
25
127
Women Total
116
7 2 9 6 109
27 136 122
30
146
1 7 31 153
* Includes temporary contracts and those for specific projects, at December 31, every year.
In 2015, 24 direct employees left the company, equivalent to 15.7% of the workforce, while 41 people, equivalent to 26.8% of the workforce as of 31 December 2015, joined the company.
Employees leaving ECL in 2015
Age group
> 50
Total
3 4 0 7
Men
5 10 2 17
Total
8 14 2 24
Employees joining ECL in 2015
Age group
Women
ecometales SR 2015
30 - 50
Women
38
< 30
< 30
30 - 50
> 50
Total
4 6 0 10
Men
12 15 4 31
Total
16 21 4 41
HEALTH MINISTRY RECOGNIZES ECOMETALES PLANT AS HEALTH-PROMOTING WORKPLACE On 19 October 2015, the Health Ministry’s Antofagasta Regional Office certified the EcoMetales plant in Calama as an advanced Health-Promoting Workplace (LTPS). This accreditation implies that a company meets the minimum requirements for promoting a healthy life and, in this way, helps reduce the incidence of chronic illnesses such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity in Chile and the mortality they cause. The challenge is to commit to this objective as regards quality of life and to harness business efforts to companies’ health policies. In order to obtain this certification, ECL was evaluated in six areas: transport of employees; consumption of tobacco, alcohol, drugs and psychotropics; physical activity; environmental health; psychosocial factors; and diet. It performed best on environmental health where 85% of employees surveyed considered that the company is concerned for their safety and occupational health and 91% indicated that it informs them about their post’s exposure risks. One of the aspects with which employees showed most satisfaction was access to training over the last two years. The active population spends over a third of the day in their workplace. If, moreover, it is considered that 11 out of each 100 workers suffer from illnesses or health problems caused or aggravated by their job, the workplace is clearly a strategic place in which to promote a healthy life style.
Pablo Rojas and Lila Vergara, Regional Representatives (SEREMIs) of the Labor and Health Ministries, respectively, with Pablo Medina, EcoMetales Sustainability Manager.
39
As regards employee benefits, EcoMetales complies with Chilean law and the standards prevailing in the country’s mining sector. In the case of union membership, it fully respects its workers’ right to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Union membership 2015
Nº of unions Nº of unionized workers Union membership (%)
2 70 48.6
EcoMetales does not have activities in which the right to freedom of association and collective bargaining could be at risk. This is borne out by the fact that it has 70 unionized employees distributed across two unions and a collective contract covering the period through to 16 September 2018. Represented by their two unions, the company’s employees negotiated collectively in 2014, reaching an agreement with the company to maintain all the benefits contained in the previous collective contract and to introduce a new performance-related bonus. Under its hiring policy, EcoMetales not discriminate on the grounds of gender, race or membership of a minority group. In 2014, there was one complaint about discrimination which was resolved and no subsequent complaints have been received. Similarly, EcoMetales does not differentiate remunerations on the basis of gender. In 2013, the company introduced a Code of Conduct and an Open Line for issues of this type. EcoMetales does not undertake any activity that could entail a potential risk of incidents of child exploitation since it does not hire minors and adheres to national and international labor regulation prohibiting child labor. Similarly, it does not accept forced or compulsory labor which is forbidden by the legislation in force in Chile as well as under International Labour Organization (ILO) recommendations.
40
ecometales SR 2015
The tables below show the company’s workforce by gender and age group.
Workforce by gender 2015
Category Women Men Total
Nº % Nº % Nº %
Executives
1 0.7 8 5.2 9 5.9
Professionals / technicians Operators
30
19.6
0
Total
75
49
105
68.6
0 39 25.5 39 25.5
31 20.3 122 79.7 153 100
Workforce by age group 2015
Category
< 30 (N°/%)
Executives
0 / 0
6 / 3.9
3 / 2
9
5.9
25 / 16.3
59 / 38.6
17 / 11.1
101
66
5 / 3.3
29 / 18.9
9 / 5.9
43
28.1
30 / 19.6
94 / 61.4
29 / 19
153
100
Professionals / technicians Operators Total
30-50 (N°/% )
> 50 (N°/%)
Total (N°/%)
In 2015, the absenteeism rate was 1.6% which, as shown below, represented a drop of approximately 11% on the previous year. The rate was 0.7% for women and 0.9% for men.
Absenteeism rate Year
[N°of days lost / N° of days worked] *100
2014
1.8
2015
1.6
41
42
ecometales SR 2015
Labor fines In 2015, EcoMetales was inspected by the Health Ministry’s Regional Office, SERNAGEOMIN and the Labor Inspection Office. It received only one fine (155,460 Chilean pesos) for breach of labor regulation which corresponded to failure to attend a meeting with the Labor Inspection Office prior to a legal proceeding.
Corruption No incidents of corruption have ever occurred at EcoMetales. In 2013, EcoMetales obtained certification of its Crime Prevention System incompliance with Chilean Law 20.393. This involved the implementation of: · An Open Line on its website · A Code of Conduct with which employees are familiar · A Crime Prevention Manual The Crime Prevention Manual requires that, each year or whenever relevant and material changes occur in any sphere of the business, EcoMetales implement a process, covering all the different areas of the organization, to identify and mitigate the risks envisaged in Law 20.393. The company’s anti-corruption policy forms part of its Crime Prevention Model on which training talks have been given for all levels of the organization and which is also addressed in the induction of new employees. In 2014, 74% of employees received information about the Crime Prevention Model and, in 2015, talks were given for all levels of the organization and were attended by 120 people, equivalent to 78% of the workforce. In addition, all new hires must attend an introductory presentation about the Crime Prevention Model at which they also receive a copy of the Code of Conduct. EcoMetales does not make financial or in-kind contributions to political parties or related institutions. None of the complaints received in 2015 related to incidents of corruption.
43
Open line Since 2013, EcoMetales has had in place an Open Line through which to receive complaints related to infringement of the legislation in force or breaches of its Code of Conduct. This Open Line is available to all employees and the general public through the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website (www.ecometales.cl). In 2015, four complaints were received of which three warranted investigation.
Type of report
2014
2015
Infringement of policies and norms
1
0
Theft
2 0
Discrimination
1 0
Violence and workplace harassment 2 2 Violation of confidentiality
0
1
Did not warrant investigation
2
1
Total
8 4
As a result of the complaints received, the following measures were implemented:
Sanction
44
ecometales SR 2015
2014 2015
Dismissal
1 0
Administrative measures
4
2
Creation of procedure and reinforcement of its application
1
1
Total
6 3
Training The table below summarizes the training provided by EcoMetales in 2015 when each employee received an average of 39 hours of training, more than double the previous year. The training budget represented a 15% increase on 2014.
Employee Nº of employees Investment category (US$)* Men 8 Executives 2,377 Women 1 Professionals / technicians Operators
Nº of
Average hours per
Average hours
courses / hours Participants
gender (nº hours /
category (nº hours /
nº workers)
nº workers
per course 14 / 246
44
31
6 / 35
6
35
Men 68 41,950 Women 23
46 / 3,664.5
465
54
33 / 782
135
34
Men 47 11,456 Women 6
20 / 1,294
188
28
1 / 2
1
0.33
120 / 6,023.5
839
-
Total
153
55,783
31
49
24
-
*: Exchange rate used: US$ 1 = $ 710,16 (Chilean pesos).
45
SAFETY AND OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH
In the case of safety and occupational health, EcoMetales is guided by a series of values with which all its employees are familiar. The first of these values -“The safety of personnel is a non-negotiable value.”sums up the company’s philosophy in this field. These values form part of the company’s Internal Order, Hygiene and Safety Regulation, a copy of which is provided to all its employees. This Regulation also includes an Alcohol and Drugs Policy which seeks to protect the physical integrity of the worker in question and other workers as well as the company’s assets and resources by prohibiting coming to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs. In accordance with the legislation in force, EcoMetales has three Joint Management-Worker Health and Safety Committees -two for the company and the other for its worksite- in which 100% of its workers are represented. These committees have the following members: • Company Committees: six management representatives and six representatives elected by workers. • Worksite Committee: one representative of ECL and six representatives of contractors.
Accidentability In 2015, EcoMetales’s Accident Severity Rate reached 51.55, a very significant increase from 7.38 in the previous year. However, the Accident Frequency Rate dropped to 2.95, down by 0.74 points on the previous year. Although two accidents occurred, the total number of people showed no change on 2014. In 2015, the average Frequency Rate for the mining industry was 2.06 (SERNAGEOMIN) or, in other words, 0.89 points below that for ECL. The tables overleaf (page 48) show EcoMetales’s accidentability rates for 2014 and 2015.
47
SAFETY PERFORMANCE 2015 Hours Nº of days Nº of workers suffering an accident Nº of accidents Frequency Severity Workers Gender worked lost Fatalities LT NLT LT NLT rate rate 19 Own Men 292,424 Workers Women 0 Contractors
Men
16 386,463 Women 0
Total - 678,887 35
0 0 0
1 3 1 3 3.42 64.97 0 4 0 2
0
1 5 1 5 2.59 41.40 0 3 0 3
0
2 15 2 13 2.95 51.55
SAFETY PERFORMANCE 2014 Hours Nº of days Nº of workers suffering an accident Nº of accidents Frequency Severity Workers Gender lost worked Fatalities LT NLT LT NLT rate rate 4 Own Men 256,200 Workers Women 0 Contractors Total
Men
0 285,787 Women 0 - 541,987 4
0
2
3 1 3
0
0
4 0 4
0
0
3 0 3
0
2 11 1 11 3.69 7.38
7.81 15.61 0 0 1 0 1 0.00 0.00
LT: Lost time. NLT: Non lost time.
In reporting workplace accidents, EcoMetales complies with the corresponding Chilean legislation (Resolution N° 2.245 issued by the Health Ministry) which is based on the recommendations of the International Labour Organization (ILO). No employees at EcoMetales’s operations have professional illnesses. In all activities that potentially involve exposure to arsenic, personnel are tested every three months to determine their possible contamination level. This practice applies to both the company’s own employees and those of contractors, with an average 160 people subject to this surveillance. In 2015, Chile modified its legislation on arsenic as regards the Weighted Permitted Limit and the Biological Tolerance Limit.
48
ecometales SR 2015
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING Chemical agent
Environmental Weighted indicator permitted limit
Arsenic Arsenic in air 0.01 mg/m3 (as from April 2015)
Sampling methodology According to the Basic Sample-Taking Manual
of the Public Health Arsenic Arsenic in air 0.16 mg/m3 Institute (ISP). (before April 2015)
EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE Chemical Biological Sample agent indicator Arsenic (as from april 2015)
Biological tolerance limit
Inorganic arsenic (As-I) and its metabolites Urine 50 µg/g creat. (DMA+MMA)
Timing of sampling At the end of the third day of exposure or the working week.
After the second day Arsenic of the working week Total arsenic Urine 220 µg/g creat. (before april 2015) and as from midday on the third day of exposure. Source: Supreme Decree (DS) N° 594/2000, Health Ministry.
It is important to note that before the modification of Chilean legislation, EcoMetales applied a limit of 100 micrograms of arsenic per gram of creatinine in urine as the exposure threshold for triggering corrective action. This compared with the limit of 220 micrograms then established by Chilean law.
49
ENVIRONMENT
Raw materials and inputs At the Dust Treatment and Arsenic and Antimony Abatement Plant (PTPA), the main raw material used is dust from the Chuquicamata Smelter and, to a lesser extent, from the Ventanas Smelter. In 2012, the company also began to process acid effluent from Chuquicamata. RAW MATERIALS AND INPUTS: DUST TREATMENT PLANT (TONS) Raw materials
2014
2015
Copper flue dust, arsenic waste and sludges
26,476
29,615
Refinery effluent (m3)
241,911 156,223
Inputs
2014 2015
Sulfuric acid
15,886
Limestone
12,719 9,562
Hidrogen peroxide
438
Magnetite
17,473
980
6,182 4,089
Water use and recycling The table below shows water use and recycling at EcoMetalesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations in 2014 and 2015. WATER REUSE AND RECYCLING Type of use Water extracted for process (m3)
2014
2015
445,931 368,867
Drinking water for changing rooms and bathrooms (m3) 8,670
8,943
Total (m3)
454,601 377,810
Reuse / recycling (m3)
120,144
134,887
26
36
% Reuse / recycling
51
Energy use At 43,893 MWh, total energy consumption in 2015 represented a drop of 3.5% on the previous year. This was explained principally by a reduction in fuel consumption by the boiler due to improvements in operating variables. The change in the operation also meant a reduction in process water consumption. Direct energy consumption, related to the use of fuels, accounted for 81% of the total energy consumed at the EcoMetales plant while indirect consumption in the form of electricity from the Northern Interconnected Grid (SING) accounted for the other 19%. DIRECT ENERGY CONSUMPTION 2014 Y 2015 (MWh) Year
Oil and derivates
Liquefied gas
Total
2014 37,267
105 37,372
2015 35,336
104 35,440
Indirect energy consumption from the SING by EcoMetalesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operations is shown in the table below. INDIRECT ENERGY CONSUMPTION 2014 Y 2015 (MWh) Year Electricity 2014 8,107 2015 8,453
Electricity consumption at the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offices in Santiago (from the Central Interconnected Grid, SIC) reached 28,527 KWh, down by approximately 2% on 2014.
52
ecometales SR 2015
Air emissions The tables on page 54 show the direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to EcoMetales’s operations in 2014 and 2015.
DEFINITIONS FOR CALCULATING AND INTERPRETING GREENHOUSE GAS (GHG) EMISSIONS Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): The emissions that make the most significant contribution to global warming are carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O) and water vapor. The size of the impact varies with the type of emission. GHG emissions are reported in physical units (k,t) of CO2 equivalent and conversion factors are used to express other emissions in their CO2 equivalent. Direct Emissions: These are the GHG emissions generated directly as a result of fuel use in a company’s operations. They correspond to the so-called Scope 1 GHG Emissions Inventory. Indirect Emissions: These are the GHG emissions generated by third parties in order to supply the electricity consumed by the company. In the case of EcoMetales, this is supplied from the Northern Interconnected Grid (SING). These emissions correspond to the so-called Scope 2 GHG Emissions Inventory.
EMISSION FACTORS In this Report, the following conversion factors were used to calculate the company’s direct emissions: · Diesel: 2.672 Kg CO2e /liter.
(Source: The Carbon Trust; www.carbontrust.co.uk).
· Liquefied gas: 1.492 Kg CO2e/liter.
(Source: The Carbon Trust; www.carbontrust.co.uk).
53
DIRECT GHG EMISSIONS Ton of CO2eq
2014 2015
Oil and derivates
9,394
8,907
22
22
Liquefied gas Total
9,416 8,929
INDIRECT GHG EMISSIONS Types of uses
2014
2015
Quantity (kWh)
8,107,000
8,453,000
Emission factor (kg CO2e/kWh)*
0.790 0.764
GHG emissions (Ton CO2e)
6,405 6,458
Emission factors provided by the Chilean Energy Ministry.
In 2015, total GHG emissions, at just over 15,000 tCO2e, represented a drop of around 3% on the previous year. Direct emissions, related to fuel use at the plant, accounted for 58% of total emissions while indirect emissions as a result of electricity consumption accounted for the other 42%. The electricity consumed by the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s offices in Santiago accounted for 9.9 tCO2e of indirect GHG emissions in 2015.
Industrial waste The operations of EcoMetales do not generate liquid industrial waste. Since 2011, the company has had a wastewater treatment plant and the treated water is reused for irrigation.
54
ecometales SR 2015
In 2014, the company gave the go-ahead for the engineering and tendering of the construction of a new cell, with the same capacity as the existing cell, at its Arsenic Waste Deposit located near the PTPA Plant. The Deposit obtained its permit in 2009 and envisages the construction of a total of three cells. The first one started operation in 2012 when the Arsenic and Antimony Abatement Process (PAAA) was inaugurated and its useful life will reach completion in the first half of 2016. Construction of the second cell, which represented an investment of US$5,332,000, was completed in 2015 and it will start operation in 2016. It has an area of almost 3 hectares and a capacity to store some 350,000 tonnes of scorodite. The table below shows the quantities of solid industrial waste generated by EcoMetales in 2014 and 2015 by level of hazard. SOLID INDUSTRIAL WASTE (TONNES) Year
Hazardous Non-hazardous Total
2014
477
29,838 30,315
2015
4,585
26,093 30,678
Out of the 26,093 tonnes of non-hazardous waste generated in 2015, 25,902 tonnes or 99.3% corresponded to scorodite, the environmentally stable form of the arsenic removed during the Arsenic and Antimony Abatement Process. All the waste generated at EcoMetalesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s installations, whether domestic, industrial or hazardous, is disposed of at duly authorized sites. Hazardous waste is, in addition, registered with the Health Ministryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hazardous Waste Declaration and Monitoring System (SIDREP).
55
GRI Ă?NDEX
P: Principal indicators A: Additional indicators
GRI ASPECT
SECTION OF REPORT
PAGE
1. STRATEGY AND ANALYSIS 1.1
Statement from the most senior decision-maker of the organization.
Message from the Chairman of the Board Message from the General Manager
04 06
1.2
Description of key impacts, risks and opportunities.
Towards a mining industry of the future: More value for Chile
12
2. ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE 2.1
Name of the organization.
Our company
08
2.2
Primary brands, products and/or services.
Our company
08
2.3
Operational structure of the organization, including main divisions, operating companies, subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Our company
08
2.4
Location of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters.
Our company
08
2.5
Number of countries where the organization operates and names of countries with either significant operations or that are specifically relevant to the sustainability issues covered in the report.
Our company
08
2.6
Nature of ownership and legal form.
Our company
08
2.7
Markets served.
Our company
08
2.8
Scale of the organization, including number of employees, net sales, total market capitalization and quantity of products or services provided.
Our company Economic and social aspects Labor aspects
08 36 37
2.9
Significant changes during the reporting period regarding size, structure or ownership, including location of activities, changes in ownership structure and others.
In 2015, there were no significant changes in the structure and ownership of EcoMetales.
Awards received in the reporting period.
No awards or distinctions were received in 2015.
2.10
3. REPORT PARAMETERS
56
ecometales SR 2015
3.1
Reporting period for information provided.
About this report
10
3.2
Date of most recent previous report.
About this report
10
3.3
Reporting cycle.
About this report
10
GRI ASPECT
SECTION OF REPORT
PAGE
3.4 Contact point for questions regarding the report or its contents. 3.5 Process for defining report content.
About this report
10
3.6 Boundary of the report.
About this report
10
3.7 State any limitations to the scope or boundary of the report.
About this report
10
3.8 Basis for reporting on joint ventures, subsidiaries, leased facilities, outsourced operations and other entities that can significantly affect comparability from period to period and/or between organizations.
About this report
10
3.9 Data measurement techniques and the bases of calculations, including assumptions and techniques underlying estimations applied to the compilation of the Indicators and other information in the report.
Measurement techniques and bases of calculations are indicated in each section.
3.10 Explanation of the effect of any re-statements of information provided in earlier reports.
This report contains no re-statements of information contained in the 2014 Report.
3.11 Significant changes from previous reporting periods in the scope, boundary or measurement methods applied in the report.
This report contains no significant changes in the scope, boundary or measurement methods applied in the 2014 Report.
3.12 Table identifying the location of the Standard Disclosures in the report.
GRI Index
56
3.13 Policy and current practice with regard to seeking external assurance for the report.
About this report
10
4.1 Governance structure of the organization, including committees under the highest governance body responsible for specific tasks, such as setting strategy or organizational oversight.
Organizational chart
10
4.2 Indicate whether the Chair of the highest governance body is also an executive officer.
The Chairman of the Board does not occupy an executive position in EcoMetales.
4.3 For organizations that have a unitary board structure, state the number of members of the highest governance body that are independent or non-executive members.
Our company
08
4.4 Mechanisms for shareholders and employees to provide recommendations or direction to the highest governance body.
Our company
08
4.5 Linkage between compensation for members of the highest governance body, senior managers and executives and the organization’s performance.
Our company
08
4.6 Processes in place for the highest governance body to ensure conflicts of interest are avoided.
Members of the Board of Directors are employees of Codelco and subject to all its norms for the avoidance of conflicts of interest.
4.7 Process for determining the qualifications and expertise of the members of the highest governance body for guiding the organization’s strategy on economic, environmental, and social topics.
Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by Codelco to provide this guidance in accordance with Codelco’s processes to ensure they are qualified to exercise this role.
4.8 Internally developed statements of mission or values, codes of conduct and principles relevant to economic, environmental and social performance and the status of their implementation.
Our company
4. GOVERNANCE, COMMITMENTS AND ENGAGEMENT
4.9 Procedures of the highest governance body for overseeing the organization’s identification and management of economic, environmental and social performance, including relevant risks and opportunities. 4.10 Processes for evaluating the highest governance body’s own performance, particularly with respect to economic, environmental and social performance.
08
Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by Codelco and are subject to its processes for exercising these functions.
57
GRI ASPECT
SECTION OF REPORT
4.11
Explanation of how the precautionary approach or principle is addressed by the organization.
The organization has not explicitly adopted a precautionary approach or principle.
4.12
Externally developed economic, environmental and social charters, principles or other initiatives to which the organization subscribes or endorses.
The organization has not adopted external social, environmental or economic principles or programs.
4.13
Main associations to which the organization belongs and/or national and international bodies it supports.
EcoMetales does not belong to any associations and/or national and international bodies.
4.14
Stakeholder groups engaged by the organization.
4.15
Basis for identification and selection of stakeholders with whom to engage.
4.16
Approaches to stakeholder engagement, including frequency of engagement by type and by stakeholder group.
4.17
Key topics and concerns that have been raised through stakeholder engagement, and how the organization has responded to those key topics and concerns, including through its reporting.
PAGE
The safety, occupational health and environment policy, establishes a commitment to maintain transparent, trustworthy and opportune communication with stakeholders in order to establish mutually beneficial relations of trust. In 2015, no progress was achieved in implementing this commitment.
5. MANAGEMENT APPROACH Disclosure on sustainability approach.
Sustainability performance
34
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Economic performance / Economic management EC1-P
Direct economic value generated and distributed, including revenues, operating costs, employee compensation, donations and other community investments, retained earnings and payments to capital providers and governments.
Economic and social aspects
36
EC3-P
Coverage of the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s defined benefit plan obligations.
Labor aspects
37
EC4-P
Significant financial assistance received from governments.
In 2015, EcoMetales did not receive financial assistance from the government.
Environmental performance / Market presence EC5-A
Range of ratios of standard entry level wage compared to local minimum wage at significant locations of operation.
Labor aspects
EC7-P
Procedures for local hiring and proportion of senior management hired from the local community at significant locations of operation.
Labor aspects
37
37
Environmental performance / Materials EN1-P
Materials used by weight or volume.
Raw materials and inputs
51
Environmental performance / Energy EN3-P
Direct energy consumption by primary energy source.
Energy use
52
EN4-P
Indirect energy consumption by primary source.
Energy use
52
Total water withdrawal by source.
Water use and recycling
51
Percentage and total volume of water recycled and reused.
Water use and recycling
51
Environmental performance / Water EN8-P EN10-A
58
ecometales SR 2015
GRI ASPECT
SECTION OF REPORT
PAGE
Environmental performance / Emissions, effluents and waste EN16-P
Total direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions by weight.
Air emissions
53
EN21-P
Total water discharge by quality and destination.
Industrial waste
54
EN22-P
Total weight of waste by type and disposal method.
Industrial waste
54
EN24-A
Weight of transported, imported, exported, or treated waste deemed hazardous under the terms of the Basel Convention Annex I, II, III and VIII, and percentage of transported waste shipped internationally.
Industrial waste
54
Sustainability performance
34
Environmental performance / Products and services EN27-P
Percentage of products sold and their packaging materials that are reclaimed by category.
Environmental performance / Compliance EN28-P
Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations.
EcoMetales did not receive any fines for failure to comply with environmental regulation in 2015.
Environmental performance / Overall EN30-A
Total environmental protection expenditures and investments by type.
Industrial waste
54
Social performance: labor practices and decent work / Employment LA1-P
Total workforce by employment type, employment contract and region.
Labor aspects
37
LA2-P
Total number and mean rate of employee turnover by age group, gender and region.
Labor aspects
37
LA3-A
Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided to temporary or part-time employees, by major operations.
Labor aspects
37
Social performance: labor practices and decent work / Management relations LA4-P
Percentage of employees covered by collective bargaining agreements.
Labor aspects
37
Social performance: labor practices and decent work / Occupational health and safety LA6-A
Percentage of total workforce represented in formal joint management-worker health and safety committees that help monitor and give advice on occupational health and safety programs.
Safety and occupational health
46
LA7-P
Rates of injury, occupational diseases, lost days and absenteeism and number of work-related fatalities by region.
Labor aspects Safety and occupational health
37 46
LA8-P
Education, training, counseling, prevention, and risk-control programs in place to assist workforce members, their families, or community members regarding serious diseases.
Sustainability performance Safety and occupational health
34 46
LA9-A
Health and safety topics covered in formal agreements with trade unions.
Labor aspects
37
Social performance: labor practices and decent work / Training and education LA10-P
Average hours of training per year per employee by employee category.
Training
45
Social performance: labor practices and decent work / Diversity and equal opportunity LA13-P
Composition of governance bodies and breakdown of employees per category according to gender, age group, minority group membership and other indicators of diversity.
Labor aspects
37
59
GRI ASPECT
SECTION OF REPORT
PAGE
Social performance: labor practices and decent work / Diversity and equal opportunity LA14-P
Ratio of basic salary of men to women by employee category.
Labor aspects
37
Labor aspects Open line
37 44
Social performance: Human rights / Non-discrimination HR4-P
Total number of incidents of discrimination and actions taken.
Social performance: Human rights / Freedom association and collective bargaining HR5-P
Operations identified in which the right to exercise freedom of association and collective bargaining may be at significant risk, and actions taken to support these rights.
Labor aspects Open line
37 44
Labor aspects
37
Labor aspects
37
Social performance: Human rights / Child labor HR6-P
Operaciones y proveedores significativos identificados que conllevan un riesgo significativo de incidentes de explotación infantil, y medidas adoptadas para contribuir a la abolición efectiva de la explotación infantil.
Social performance: Human rights / Forced and compulsory labor HR7-P
Operations identified as having significant risk for incidents of forced or compulsory labor, and measures to contribute to the elimination of forced or compulsory labor.
Social performance: society / Corruption SO2-P
Percentage and total number of business units analyzed for risks related to corruption.
Corruption
43
SO3-P
Percentage of employees trained in organization’s anti-corruption policies and procedures.
Corruption
43
SO4-P
Actions taken in response to incidents of corruption.
Corruption
43
Corruption
43
Labor fines
43
Social performance: society / Public policy SO6-A
Total value of financial and in-kind contributions to political parties, politicians and related institutions by country.
Social performance: society / Compliance SO8-A
Monetary value of significant fines and total number of non-monetary sanctions for non-compliance with laws and regulations.
Social performance: product responsibility / Product labeling PR3-P
Type of product and service information required by procedures and percentage of significant products and services subject to such information requirements.
Sustainability performance
34
PR4-A
Total number of incidents of non-compliance with regulations and voluntary codes concerning product and service information and labeling, by type of outcomes.
Sustainability performance
34
Social performance: product responsibility / Marketing communications PR6-P
60
ecometales SR 2015
Programs for adherence to laws, standards and voluntary codes related to marketing communications, including advertising, promotion and sponsorship.
Sustainability performance
34
GRI ASPECT
SECTION OF REPORT
PAGE
Social performance: product responsibility / Compliance PR9-P
Monetary value of significant fines for non-compliance with laws and regulations concerning the provision and use of products and services.
EcoMetales did not receive any fines related to the handling of its products.
61
For comments and queries about this Report or for further information, please contact: Sustainability Management / EcoMetales Limited. Nueva de Lyon 072, Providencia, Santiago de Chile / Road to Radomiro Tomic, km 16 ½, Calama, Chile. Telephones: (56 - 2) 2378 4100 – (56 – 55) 2320 950 comunicaciones@ecometales.cl / www.ecometales.cl
Photography . EcoMetales archives / Print . Procolor