A new CSIRO Chile International Centre of Excellence in Mining and Mineral Processing has been launched that will develop technologies that will reduce the environmental impact of mining and increase its productivity.

 

With nodes initially in Santiago and Antofagasta, the CSIRO Chile Centre of Excellence was formally launched by Chile’s Minister for Mines, the Honourable Hernán de Solminihac in Santiago. The Centre has been established in partnership with the University of Chile and leading industry and research partners.

 

The Centre will be a major international education and training facility that will build the services and manufacturing industries in both countries through partnership with industry.

 

“This Centre will allow our countries to work in a learning partnership with shared benefits, benefits which will contribute to a global knowledge base and to improved practices and understanding around the world,” CSIRO Chief Executive, Dr Megan Clark,  said.

 

The CSIRO Chile Centre of Excellence is co-funded by CORFO and supported by the University of Antofagasta, Cicitem and major industry partners Anglo American North S.A. and South S.A., Antofagasta Minerals S.A., BHP Chile Inc., Codelco, Xstrata Copper Chile.