With outstanding participation as speakers, the Center’s research team concluded its participation in this International Conference, organized by Gecamin, which brought together executives, professionals, and academics with expertise in the environment, sustainability, and social responsibility.
Jacques Wiertz, researcher and leader of the Environmental Rehabilitation and Ecosystem Dynamics team at SMI-ICE-Chile, was one of the speakers at the opening ceremony.
In his role as technical director of the organizing committee for this conference, Jacques Wiertz discussed the progress the mining industry has made in terms of sustainability. “Sixteen years ago, when the first conference on this subject was held, the outlook had changed significantly, moving from a reactive mining industry to a proactive industry that seeks to contribute to the social and environmental spheres,” he emphasized.
“I trust that the word “conflict” is becoming a thing of the past, in favor of collaboration. My invitation at this conference is to discover good ideas and share experiences; also to learn from what wasn’t done well. These lessons will allow us to build a much more sustainable mining industry together.”
Francisca Rivero, general manager of SMI-ICE-Chile, also spoke at the opening ceremony.
“In a global context marked by the climate emergency, the transition toward a more sustainable economy, and the social challenges of greater equity and social justice, the need to continue debating and collaborating on innovative solutions has never been more urgent,” he said. “Sustainability in mining is not an issue for the future; it is a matter of the present that demands immediate action and cooperation among all stakeholders in the sector: companies, governments, communities, and civil society.
“When we debate sustainability, when agreeing on the boundaries, I propose the following: maintain an awareness of openness and sensitivity to the environment; consolidate a sense of community as an element of participation, belonging, and deliberation; persevere in innovation and generating progress based on data and scientific evidence; keep in mind the element of time, as we seek practices that capture the learning from the present (with its successes and failures), but that look to the future… We want to maintain the conviction that the benefits generated by the industry produce well-being and social progress for all the people who inhabit the territories.”
The SMI-ICE-Chile team had a prominent presence, through the following researchers from the Center:
▶ Dante Choque, researcher in the area of Social Performance and Resource Governance, presented: «Governance Design: Proposed Analysis of Territorial and Organizational Attributes.»
▶ Catalina Bravo, researcher on the same team, presented: «Toward Responsible Mining: Lessons Learned and Challenges in the Implementation of the IRMA Standard in the Salar de Atacama.»
▶ Camila Cabrera, researcher in the area of Social Performance and Resource Governance, presented: “Leading Change: Empowering Women and Promoting Diversity in the Future of Mining.”
▶ María Paz Valenzuela, researcher in the area of Environmental Rehabilitation and Ecosystem Dynamics: “Educational Program for Creating Value in Impacted Territories: The Experience in Diego de Almagro.”
▶ David Rubinos, the center’s scientific leader, moderated the presentations in the session on «Risk Assessment and Management.»
▶ Dilan Campos, a researcher in the area of Environmental Rehabilitation and Ecosystem Dynamics, presented «Chronology and Dynamics of Plant Death in High-Altitude Wetlands of the Chilean Andes.»
▶ Nigel Wight, a researcher in the area of Social Performance and Resource Governance, presented «Some Reflections on the Pascua Lama Project.»
▶ Daniela Gamboa, researcher in the area of Environmental Rehabilitation and Ecosystem Dynamics at SMI-ICE-Chile, together with Mauricio Vera, management engineer at the Environment and Territory Directorate of the Codelco-Salvador Division, presented the topic: “Responsible mining and participation: reflections based on the Salar de Pedernales Value Enhancement Plan” in one of the plenary talks.
