Energy Efficiency

Collahuasi seeks to support efforts to stem climate change and recognises their importance for environmental sustainability and the sustainability of its business. As a result, it participates actively in discussion of these issues in the Energy Efficiency in Mining Roundtable and the Climate Change Committee created under the auspices of the National Mining Society (SONAMI) and the Chilean Mining Council.

The company also continues to advance with the implementation of its own Energy Efficiency Programme, analysing the incorporation of alternative renewable energies (AREs) into its energy matrix, with solar (thermal and photovoltaic) and geothermal sources currently appearing to offer the greatest potential. For Collahuasi, the diversification of its energy matrix is a priority, given that it is one of northern Chile’s largest energy users.

In 2009, the company launched a geothermal project after obtaining five concessions in the Tarapacá and Antofagasta Regions in 2008. Collahuasi is the only mining company in Chile that holds geothermal concessions and is formally developing them or, in other words, drilling wells.

The new initiatives that were analysed by the company in 2009 and will be implemented in 2010 include the measurement of its carbon footprint and the introduction of an Energy Management System designed to monitor and ensure rational use of energy resources.

In 2009, Collahuasi successfully reduced its energy intensity by 8.761% from its level in 2008, requiring 2,416 kWh/tonne of copper content, down from 2,648 kWh/tonne. This reflected efforts by the company’s main operational areas and increased awareness of the use of energy in its different processes. The upward trend in ore grades also contributed to this overall improvement. 

In order to continue promoting the efficient use of energy resources by its workers, the company launched the “Collahuasi Energy Efficiency Prize 2010” for the best suggestions for energy saving presented from within the company.