Codelco’s Radomiro Tomic will use explosives with a 40% lower carbon footprint than Enaex.

In a significant step to decarbonise the industry, Codelco and Enaex have signed an agreement that will transform the Radomiro Tomic Division copper mine in Chile into the world’s first mining operation to use the Prillex ECO2 explosive, the main component of which is blue ammonium nitrate. , has a 40% lower carbon footprint during its production compared to traditional formulations. This achievement confirms the commitment of both companies to lead the transition towards more sustainable mining.

“With this decision, we at Codelco have set a new path in the decarbonization of the copper industry, by becoming a pioneer in the use of an innovative product in the explosives market, which will contribute to fulfilling our commitments in the field of sustainable development,” highlights Máximo Pacheco, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the company. Codelco, who attended the launch ceremony of the agreement at the Prillex América factory located in the city of Migiones.

“In our company we no longer have doubts: our business is at the heart of the global development model, and we do everything, in terms of digital transformation, innovation and cooperation with large global and national mining conglomerates, to be leaders in the field of environmental protection. And through strategic alliances with partners such as Enaex We are convinced that we are moving in the right direction.

“At Enaex, our goal is to humanize mining, which means a firm commitment to sustainability and decarbonization, a challenge we meet by shifting the use of raw materials towards renewable energies,” comments Juan Andrés Errázuriz, CEO of Enaex. “It is an enormous challenge and that is why we have acted urgently to reduce our impact, implement immediate improvements and use raw materials that are cleaner than industry standards.”

Blue Ammonium Nitrate is produced using advanced carbon capture and storage technologies, significantly reducing carbon dioxide emissions during manufacturing. Similarly, ENEX has implemented nitrous oxide (nitrous oxide) reduction systems at its Brilex America plant and self-generates more than 50% of its power using turbochargers, demonstrating that it is possible to encourage more sustainable mining and industrial practices.

“This action is without a doubt a very important step. I would like people, beyond this act, to also be able to understand and appreciate it, because our mining for Chileans, and I must emphasize again, is also done through innovation,” said Karin Behrens, Presidential Delegate of the Antofagasta Region. At the ceremony: “This is done by taking care of people, because that is the ultimate challenge.”

The use of this strategic input represents a significant reduction in Scope 3 emissions at Radomiro Tomic, which consumes approximately 40% of the company’s explosives. This is in line with Codelco’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint across the value chain, including its suppliers.

“Thanks to the successful negotiations with Enaex, Codelco is taking a decisive step towards the decarbonization of our industry. Based on this agreement, we have become the first mining company to use blue ammonium nitrate in the world, and this will allow us to reduce approximately 40% of the annual CO2 produced About explosives, which contributes significantly to fulfilling our commitments to sustainability Acuña, Vice President of Supply at Codelco, about the supply contract, which is valid for a period of five years.